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Prepare: Thank the Lord for the ways he has blessed you, starting with the provision of water, which for many people around the world is in short supply.
Blessed by God
In the semi-arid area around Beersheba water was a precious resource, and resolving issues of access and ownership a tense business. The well signified God’s blessing on Abraham, and Abimelech was keen to show his willingness to come to a peaceful solution, having seen what happened to those who stood in the way of God’s blessing on Abraham (20:18).
Abimelech knew two things about Abraham; first, he was blessed by God (v 22) and second, he was prone to deception (v 23). Therefore, he needed a binding treaty to ensure peace between them, a sad reflection on Abraham’s character.
Acting with integrity
The treaty was agreed and the planting of the tamarisk tree (v 33) – used for salt, building, charcoal, shade and animal fodder – was a symbolic act showing Abraham’s hope for a prosperous future in the area.
God’s people live as foreigners in a kingdom that doesn’t recognise his authority. Abimelech had a healthy respect for God’s care of Abraham, but we won’t always find the same understanding. We must be aware that for many people, God’s reputation stands or falls on the actions of his followers, so we must do our best to show integrity in all our dealings.
Respond: How could you bring glory to God by acting with integrity? Are there any areas in which you might be harming his reputation by your behaviour?
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-04-18
Blessed by God
In the semi-arid area around Beersheba water was a precious resource, and resolving issues of access and ownership a tense business. The well signified God’s blessing on Abraham, and Abimelech was keen to show his willingness to come to a peaceful solution, having seen what happened to those who stood in the way of God’s blessing on Abraham (20:18).
Abimelech knew two things about Abraham; first, he was blessed by God (v 22) and second, he was prone to deception (v 23). Therefore, he needed a binding treaty to ensure peace between them, a sad reflection on Abraham’s character.
Acting with integrity
The treaty was agreed and the planting of the tamarisk tree (v 33) – used for salt, building, charcoal, shade and animal fodder – was a symbolic act showing Abraham’s hope for a prosperous future in the area.
God’s people live as foreigners in a kingdom that doesn’t recognise his authority. Abimelech had a healthy respect for God’s care of Abraham, but we won’t always find the same understanding. We must be aware that for many people, God’s reputation stands or falls on the actions of his followers, so we must do our best to show integrity in all our dealings.
Respond: How could you bring glory to God by acting with integrity? Are there any areas in which you might be harming his reputation by your behaviour?
http://www.wordlive.org/Session/Classic/2012-04-18
Schrift
Over dit leesplan
WordLive provides a daily slice of Bible reading and commentary that, over four years, covers most of the Bible. The commentary encourages the reader to engage with the Bible passage in order to deepen their relationship with God, through reflection and practical application. The WordLive website offers further multimedia content and group Bible study, while registration offers a daily email, journal and bookmarking, and community tools.
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We would like to thank Scripture Union England & Wales for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.wordlive.org/youversion
