by Pastor Peter Bean
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Read Genesis 23:1–20
If you have been reading the story of Abraham carefully this week, you’ll have noticed that among all the horrible bits is a story of hospitality. In fact, hospitality and inhospitality are woven throughout this narrative. The Greek word for hospitality literally means ‘love of strangers'. So, Abraham welcomes the three strangers in Genesis 18, feeds them and gives them a drink. This is taken up in Hebrews 13, where we are told: ‘Remember to welcome strangers, because some who have done this have welcomed angels without knowing it.’ Think back through this week’s readings. Where are examples of hospitality and inhospitality?
So, we come to Genesis 23. Sarah dies. Abraham seeks to bury her. He goes to the Hittites, the adversaries of the Israelites and their (our) God. And as you read the chapter, you will see hospitality played out, back and forth, until there is an agreement all are happy with.
No bickering over whose land this is, no slandering of each other, no questioning each other’s motives. Rather, acceptance of who they are and their place in the world. Peace in their time!
Can we follow their example? Can we accept God’s statement to us through Paul in Ephesians 2:19? ‘So now you are no longer strangers and aliens. Rather, you are fellow citizens with God’s people, and you belong to God’s household.’ And then apply it to our lives?
God accepts all. You, me, your neighbours, the first inhabitants of Australia, those who come from different lands. In our world of social disharmony that we seem to live in, we do well to remember God’s words: ‘You belong to God’s household.’ Then, living in grace and forgiveness, extend that hospitality to all we encounter, all humanity, remembering each person is made in God’s image and is also extended grace.
God of hospitality, who loves humanity in all its various expressions, let me live in your love. Help me to reflect that grace and forgiveness to everyone I meet. Amen.
In early October, Peter enjoyed a family camp with his children and grandchildren at Lake Bonney, South Australia. Then, he returned to weeding, planting, riding, reading and relaxing!
Live what you know
by Jim Strelan
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Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard, obey it and repent (Revelation 3:3a).
Read Revelation 3:1–6
If you grew up in a Christian family with a strong connection to a Christian church, you may have been taught, over and over again, about God’s acts in the past and what he can do in the present. If you are newer to the faith, perhaps you also heard the message and felt convicted.
Many, many years ago, when I was confirmed, the process that qualified (!) me for confirmation was my ability to repeat things I had learnt off by heart. In my ministry, I encouraged young people to express their faith in their own words. Not just head knowledge, but something heartfelt. There’s a difference.
In this passage, the church at Sardis is encouraged to remember what it has received and to live that out. Sardis was a famous and wealthy city. It would have been easy for the people of that city to be influenced by what was around them. They gave the appearance of being alive in faith – that was their reputation, but the call is for them to be real. If it meant repentance, then repent. Some weren’t influenced by what was around them but were faithful. God acknowledged them.
The focus is on living what you know. Would you say your faith is more than words, more than head knowledge, more than the Bible verses you can recite, but rather something that impacts all of your life? Is it evident in how you trust when you are anxious, how you hear the word of forgiveness and allow it to cover you, and how you love your neighbour and so show your love for God? To receive something is to be given a gift. You have that gift. Let it define you. Live it. God’s Spirit is with you, working to bring what you know to life. Your name is in the book of life and will never be blotted out.
Thank you, loving God, for revealing yourself to me. As I grow in knowledge and understanding, help me to live that out. Help me to be true to what I am. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jim is a retired pastor living with his wife Ruth in Deception Bay, Queensland. He spends his retirement making space to add more Lions’ premiership posters to the six (3+3) he already has on his garage wall.
Stay confident
by Jim Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35).
Read Hebrews 10:32–39
You know, of course, that any moment could be your last, no matter your age. Does that scare you? There’s a saying: ‘Live each day as though it were your last.’ That helps us value and treasure each moment and makes us more determined to live worthwhile lives. I prefer: ‘Live each day as though it were your first.’ The joy of discovery, the newness all around you, the learning you can do, the relationships that can deepen.
The same applies when we think about the end of all things and Christ’s promised return. You can live apprehensively, or you can live with the confidence that God is with you in everything, cares about you and never abandons you.
Look at the attitude the writer of Hebrews encourages in their readers. See how they lived even when terrible times came upon them. Exposed to insult and persecuted, they stood side by side with those who were ill-treated, felt sympathy for the imprisoned and were joyful even when things were taken away from them. So they are encouraged to remain confident in their loving God. They are encouraged not to shrink back because they can be sure of their salvation (a word which, in a general sense, means ‘wellbeing’).
As you get older, you can look at the death notices in the paper, and if your name isn’t there, then be sure you are still alive! This day is a gift. Each day is a gift. God is here; he is with you, so trust in him. He is a good God. This reminds me of a chorus of a song: ‘All my life, you’ve been faithful. All my life, you’ve been so, so good.’
This week’s readings about Christ’s second coming aren’t meant to cause fear. They remind us that God does things in his time. So let him, and enjoy life in the meantime.
Thank you, God, for all your promises. They give me such confidence that all my days are gifts given by you. Help me to find joy in each day, trusting in your goodness. Amen.
Jim is a retired pastor living with his wife Ruth in Deception Bay, Queensland. He spends his retirement making space to add more Lions’ premiership posters to the six (3+3) he already has on his garage wall.
Stay confident
by Jim Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded (Hebrews 10:35).
Read Hebrews 10:32–39
You know, of course, that any moment could be your last, no matter your age. Does that scare you? There’s a saying: ‘Live each day as though it were your last.’ That helps us value and treasure each moment and makes us more determined to live worthwhile lives. I prefer: ‘Live each day as though it were your first.’ The joy of discovery, the newness all around you, the learning you can do, the relationships that can deepen.
The same applies when we think about the end of all things and Christ’s promised return. You can live apprehensively, or you can live with the confidence that God is with you in everything, cares about you and never abandons you.
Look at the attitude the writer of Hebrews encourages in their readers. See how they lived even when terrible times came upon them. Exposed to insult and persecuted, they stood side by side with those who were ill-treated, felt sympathy for the imprisoned and were joyful even when things were taken away from them. So they are encouraged to remain confident in their loving God. They are encouraged not to shrink back because they can be sure of their salvation (a word which, in a general sense, means ‘wellbeing’).
As you get older, you can look at the death notices in the paper, and if your name isn’t there, then be sure you are still alive! This day is a gift. Each day is a gift. God is here; he is with you, so trust in him. He is a good God. This reminds me of a chorus of a song: ‘All my life, you’ve been faithful. All my life, you’ve been so, so good.’
This week’s readings about Christ’s second coming aren’t meant to cause fear. They remind us that God does things in his time. So let him, and enjoy life in the meantime.
Thank you, God, for all your promises. They give me such confidence that all my days are gifts given by you. Help me to find joy in each day, trusting in your goodness. Amen.
Jim is a retired pastor living with his wife Ruth in Deception Bay, Queensland. He spends his retirement making space to add more Lions’ premiership posters to the six (3+3) he already has on his garage wall.