Devotional:Righteous Influence: Genesis 23

“Hear us, my lord, you are a mighty prince among us; bury your dead in the choicest of our graves; none of us will refuse you his grave for burying your dead” (Gen. 23:6, NASB).

When I was growing up as a child, my mother and father along with my sisters and brothers instilled into me that I am influenced by others. I also have influence with others. I was taught that I came from a family that had influence in the church, the community, and the school. If I was caught doing something wrong the teachers at the school were quick to correct me, and they reminded me of whose child I was. The same could be said about the people at church and even in the community. It seemed to me that everyone wanted me to live up to standards that my family had a reputation for. Frankly, I did not like it. I resisted the idea that I had to be like my brothers and sisters. I was my own person, and I should not have to be like other people, including my family members. I rebelled, and I did not make the grades that I could have made in my classes.

I joined the army and I discovered that the people that I came in contact with expected me to live up to a certain standard. The older men that I met would ignore what other young men were doing, but they would offer their advice and challenge me to do the right thing. It seems to me that this pattern has followed me all of my life. Why?

In Genesis 23 we have the story of Abraham seeking to buy a burial ground for his deceased wife Sarah. Abraham was a foreigner living among people that did not share in his faith and worship of the Lord. Abraham had not always done everything right. He was chastised by King Abimelech of Gerar for lying (Gen. 20:8-13) about his wife Sarah. God continued to bless Abraham and the peoples of the land were influenced by him. The Hittites were willing to give Abraham any place that he named to bury his wife. Ephron the Hittite called Abraham lord and a mighty prince showing the deep and sincere respect that he had for Abraham. Abraham honored the Lord and the people saw his devotion to the Lord. The righteous that serve the Lord have a great influence on others.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for giving us favor in the eyes of other people. Amen.