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WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL

Week 9 - Death of Sarah

November 4th, 2018

Setting the scene...

It has been 50 years since Abraham and Sarah received God’s calling on their lives. They have wandered and worked toward fulfilling the promises. Some have come true while others are still left unfulfilled.  Then Sarah dies, before Abraham has any place to call home. Where will he bury his beloved wife? What will happen to his family? Abraham has to make arrangements. Yet it is in these moments of despair, where God quietly works toward fulfilling promises in the most unlikely ways. Abraham is able to buy land in order to bury Sarah. Doing so now means he has claimed a homeland and is no longer a stranger. A new chapter begins, even in the midst of death.

Reading for this week...

Reflect on Genesis 23:1-20

Questions for reflection...

Why do you think the Bible has so many details about Sarah’s funeral arrangements and burial?

Do you think that the land is offered sincerely to Abraham freely or were they bargaining? Why do you feel that way?

What does this passage show us about Abraham’s grief?

What is important for you when you mourn the loss of a loved one?

Have you shared with your family your own values and desires regarding end of life decisions? Pray about your own thoughts and consider what you would like to share at this time.

For additional study...

WATCH: The Tomb of Abraham, also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs, marks the site where Abraham, Sarah, and their family were buried. This sacred place continues to be revered by many religions today and has been a place of worship for thousands of years. Take a glimpse into the Tomb of Abraham with Rick Steves:

JOIN A CLASS: Talk with other people about the Book of Genesis during a Bible study class at Delano UMC. Classes meet on Sunday or Thursday evenings. For more info

PRAYER EXERCISE:  Today we celebrated All Saints Sunday in worship at Delano UMC. Spend time praying for the saints you have loved and lost. Hold fast to the promise that nothing will ever separate them or you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8).

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