Genesis 23, Matthew 14

Thursday, Dec 27, 2007 - Brandon Hatmaker (Genesis 23, Matthew 14)

(Genesis 23)

Ephron had offered the land to Abraham for free. The Hittites had already told Abraham how they felt about him, they were afraid of him, or at least respected him greatly. Abraham knew that after they had said, “Sir, listen to us, you are a mighty prince among us”. There was no doubt.

So Abraham had an opportunity to be the bully. He had an opportunity to hold his authority over a lesser people and take advantage of them. But he didn’t. In fact, he continued to show his humility, even in his posture. Verse 12 said that, “Again Abraham bowed down before the people of the land and he said to Ephron in their hearing, "Listen to me, if you will. I will pay the price of the field. Accept it from me so I can bury my dead there."

We have so much to learn from Abraham. If not him, then what about the same message from Jesus. In all of their authority, they had a servant’s heart. They did not abuse their power. They remained compassionate. Leadership 101.

Father, I pray today that in each area of our lives in which we have authority, that we recognize that the authority we are given is from you. Help us to treat it with care. Help us to keep perspective and to live under your power.

(Matthew 14)

There is so much in chapter 14. Jesus feeds the five thousand. Peter walks on the water. But today, I’m held captive by the series of events surrounding the beheading of John the Baptist.

Ultimately, John’s life was taken to cover up a marriage that was unlawful. John had already called out Philip, Herod’s brother, of this unlawful Union. Herodias, Philip’s wife was threatened. One could assume that all that she had achieved, her status, her wealth, everything was tied to that marriage. And she made sure it wasn’t questioned again. She even drug her own child into the evil scheme. The cost was the life of John the Baptist, the one who baptized the Son of God. He lost his life because he spoke the truth.

Our selfishness is one thing. Our justification is another. It’s crazy how the layers can grow and what started as a simple act can build to leave even a bystander facing our consequence. It’s amazing how, in the moment, we can live without concern for others.

God, help us not to be calloused to how our actions impact other lives. Teach us to speak truth in love, but never to neglect compassion.