Slices
Prepare
Read Psalm 119:18. As you read today’s verses, pray that God will open your eyes to understand his Word in a new way.
Bible passage
The treaty at Beersheba
22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, ‘God is with you in everything you do. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness that I have shown to you.’
24 Abraham said, ‘I swear it.’
25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek’s servants had seized. 26 But Abimelek said, ‘I don’t know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.’
27 So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty. 28 Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, 29 and Abimelek asked Abraham, ‘What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?’
30 He replied, ‘Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.’
31 So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there.
32 After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. 34 And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.
Explore
After a shaky start (Genesis 20:9), Abraham built a good relationship with Abimelek. Because of the trust between them, and the oath he swore to Abimelek (vs 23,24), Abraham was able to voice his concern about a well of water that Abimelek’s servants had seized, and the matter was resolved amicably and peacefully.
Sometimes, disputes between individuals or in groups and committees can be magnified out of all proportion and lead to conflict, which is both divisive and hurtful. It’s so easy to focus on our own agenda at the expense of others. When this happens, we are playing right into the devil’s hands. He leaves us to get on with it and thus set a bad example to non-believers.
We would be wise to follow Abraham’s example when we need to speak honestly with others. This should be done sensitively, carefully and courteously – a huge challenge for which we need God’s wisdom and insight.
What a testimony to Abraham that Abimelek said to him, ‘God is with you in everything you do’ (v 22). Do we live in such a way that people will say that of us? Ask God to help you be that person.
Respond
Encouraged by Abraham’s example, consider issues which you or someone you know are dealing with at the moment that require wisdom, tact and the ability to see the situation from both sides.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 30,31; Matthew 11
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for the children in the Buckshaw Village Church Soul Children choir, that they will continue to enjoy taking part in practices and performances and grow in their understanding of God. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
