Digging Deeper: Trusting God’s Providence

Avatar photo Bridget Turner on July 25, 2024

 

15 Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah. 16 Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. 17 Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”

18 “Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. 19 When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” 20 So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.

Genesis 24:15-20 (NLT)

 

TRUSTING GOD’S PROVIDENCE

 

Notable pastor Charles H. Spurgeon said, “God’s providence is always on time! You and I make appointments and miss them by half an hour. But God has never missed an appointment yet. God is never early, though we often wish he were. But he is never late, no, not by one tick of the clock.” God’s providence is His divine hand in our lives. He lovingly guides and transacts all that happens to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His kingdom, and we see it throughout this story of Isaac and Rebekah.

 

Genesis 24:15 tells us that before the servant finished praying, Rebekah was coming to the well. The servant prayed that the daughters (plural) of the men would be coming to draw water, but God sends Rebekah alone. Then just as the servant prays, she gives him a drink of water and offers to water his camels—his ten camels! That may seem like an insignificant detail, but a search on Google says, “A camel can drink up to 30 gallons of water in less than 15 minutes.” That is a lot of extra work—quite the interruption to what would have been a routine chore for Rebekah. The servant silently watches, not interfering or trying to manipulate the situation, but waits patiently for God’s confirmation.

 

We also see this contemplative patience in Isaac at the end of our passage. The impact of his mother’s death was great and held more weight than just his personal grief. No doubt he understood the covenant God made with his father, Abraham—that his offspring would number the stars. Yet he is not married, and his father is very old. Instead of pursuing his own plan to keep the covenant, we find Isaac walking and meditating in the fields when he sees the servant returning. Once the servant tells him the story and who Rebekah is, he immediately takes her as his wife. Verse 68 wraps up the passage, saying, “Isaac loved her, and he was comforted after his mother’s death.”

 

Notably, no one involved in this story is forced to take part in it. Abraham asks the servant to go find a wife for Isaac. The servant asks Rebekah for a drink. Laban invites the servant to their home, and they ask Rebekah if she will go with him. When we trust in the providence of God and His work on our behalf, we can respond to His guidance with certainty. What can you do today to deepen your trust in who God is and confidently obey His direction?

 

Bridget Turner serves as the Director of Women’s Groups at NorthStar Church. She and her husband, Steve, live in Powder Springs and have two young adult children, Hannah and Joshua. She enjoys watching football, traveling and reading.

 

Moving from Useless to Useful

Kevin Burrell on July 24, 2024

 

“Formerly Onesimus was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me. I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.”

Philemon 1:11-12

 

MOVING FROM USELESS TO USEFUL

 

Two seminary students in New Orleans stopped at a local grocery store one evening while traveling. One of the seminary students was Don Wilton. While in the store, they noticed a young, needy couple with a baby dressed only in a diaper. The Spirit of God moved in the hearts of the two seminary students in a special way to open their wallets and give the young family all the money they had. The total was more than $200. With a gentle voice, Don spoke to the frightened man and said, “My friend, you don’t know who I am. However, I want you to know that my friend and I want to show you in a practical way how much God loves you. Because of what Jesus has done in our lives, we want to give you this small gift from the two of us.”

The man tearfully received the money. Don Wilton thought he would never see the man again. However, nearly a decade later, Dr. Wilton was teaching at the seminary. One of the new students recognized Dr. Wilton’s distinctive South African voice. It was the man from the grocery store! He told Dr. Wilton that their young family was desperate that night. So desperate, in fact, that they had driven from their home in Alabama to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge in New Orleans. They planned to take their baby with them but decided to feed her first, so she would at least die with a full stomach. That’s why they stopped at the store. However, they were deeply moved and encouraged by the kind words and financial gift. That one act of kindness set the man and his wife on a path to salvation in Jesus Christ and a call to full-time vocational ministry. That night, the man’s life was transformed from being “Useless to Useful.”

God’s providential hand saves lives. Onesimus was spiritually lost! He was the fugitive slave of his master, Philemon. Onesimus had robbed Philemon and fled to Rome, a large city where he could easily hide—or so he thought! However, providentially, Onesimus encountered Paul in a Roman prison where the apostle was in chains. Paul led Onesimus to faith in Jesus Christ, and his life was forever impacted and transformed from being “Useless to Useful.”

Listen closely: How about you? Have you ever felt useless? Have you ever had a sense that you have no real purpose or usefulness in life? If you have, you’re not alone. The story of Onesimus is a classic picture of one who tries running from a good and gracious God but instead runs right into His loving arms—just like the man in the grocery store. Through salvation, the fugitive sinner found grace, forgiveness, and freedom that are only found in a ‘right relationship’ with God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged. Wherever you are in life right now, God’s eye is on you! He knows your name. He knows your need, and He will use ‘whatever’ and ‘whoever’ to intersect your life right where you are. A genuine encounter with the living God will forever change your perspective, your relationships, and your future.

It will transform you from “Useless to Useful.”

Remember:

God has a plan. His plan is far greater than yours. He is writing your story. Don’t steal His pen!

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: The Good Shepherd

Avatar photo Bridget Turner on July 24, 2024

 

14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, 15 just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.

John 10:14-15 (NLT)

 

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

 

My husband and I were spending some time on the lake recently and saw a momma duck and six little ducklings swimming along the shore in a straight line. Suddenly, the momma began to quack loudly and slowed down. In just a few seconds, we saw two more little ducklings (seven and eight) paddling to the back of the line. Abruptly, the momma stopped moving and began to quack louder again. The eight ducklings all slammed into a pile, and from across the cove, we saw another little duckling, number nine! It was trying so hard to move quickly that its little wings were carrying it over the water one second, and then it was tumbling the next, all while heading straight to its momma. Number nine finally made it, and the momma immediately turned around and began swimming back along the shore as each duckling lined up behind her. It was such a fascinating scene to watch.

Ironically, there are some interesting facts about ducks that remind me of our relationship with God. First, ducklings automatically imprint an image of their momma and siblings on their brains after being hatched. That is how they know who to follow. Secondly, they follow in a line behind the mother on land so that she can remove any obstacles in their path, and on water, she creates a wave that passes through the line, allowing the ducklings to move easily and with little effort. That is why the momma kept calling out to the ducklings to get in line. It is also why it seemed so very hard for the last one to get to her.

In John 10, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So, I sacrifice my life for the sheep” (vs. 14-15). He goes on to say, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (vs. 27). Our Good Shepherd longs to lead us. I pray that, like the ducklings, we will imprint Him on our hearts and minds, knowing that as we do, we can trust Him completely and our paths will be made clearer.

 

Bridget Turner serves as the Director of Women’s Groups at NorthStar Church. She and her husband, Steve, live in Powder Springs and have two young adult children, Hannah and Joshua. She enjoys watching football, traveling and reading.

 

Digging Deeper: It’s Not About Us

Avatar photo Bridget Turner on July 23, 2024


36 “When Sarah, my master’s wife, was very old, she gave birth to my master’s son, and my master has given him everything he owns. 37 And my master made me take an oath. He said, ‘Do not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 38 Go instead to my father’s house, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son.’

 

42 “So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission. 43 See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.” 44 If she says, “Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,” let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son.’

45 “Before I had finished praying in my heart, I saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ 46 She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ So I drank, and then she watered the camels.

Genesis 24:38-38; 42-46 (NLT)

 

IT’S NOT ABOUT US

 

Do you remember playing the telephone game as a child? The one where everyone sits in a circle and a message is whispered from person to person until the last person gets it and says it out loud? It was always funny to hear how much the original message had changed. Genesis 24 has quite a bit of repetition as the oath, the prayers, and the responses are shared from person to person. However, the message remains consistent throughout the story.

In verses 37 and 38, the servant repeats the oath he swore with Abraham to Rebekah’s brother, Laban. He also shares the prayer he prayed, asking God to bring a girl to the well who would give him a drink of water and offer to water his camels too (verses 42-46). The servant wraps up the story by asking Laban if they will indeed show kindness and faithfulness to his master. If not, he will go elsewhere. Worth noting is that Laban addresses the servant as “you who are blessed by the Lord” (v. 31). His faith is obvious to Rebekah’s family right away.

The servant has such an unselfish attitude throughout this story. We learned yesterday that he managed all that Abraham owned. That is a huge responsibility. When he takes the oath, there is no thought expressed about who will take care of everything while he is away. His only question is about what to do for Isaac if the woman won’t come with him. Secondly, he prays on the way to the well, asking God to bless his master, just as he asked Laban to do. Third, when he meets Rebekah, he bows down and worships, thanking God for blessing his master. His focus and concern are always with others.

At NorthStar, one of our core values is “It’s not about us.” Abraham’s servant portrays this beautifully throughout the story. As we reflect on his role today, let us ask God for guidance on where we can change our thoughts and attitudes to be less about us and more about Him and others.

Bridget Turner serves as the Director of Women’s Groups at NorthStar Church. She and her husband, Steve, live in Powder Springs and have two young adult children, Hannah and Joshua. She enjoys watching football, traveling and reading.

 

Digging Deeper: Next Level Faith

Avatar photo Bridget Turner on July 22, 2024

1 Abraham was now a very old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. 2 One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh. 3 Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women. 4 Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”

Genesis 24:1-4 (NLT)

 

NEXT LEVEL FAITH

 

Genesis 24 has the makings of a great movie: honor, respect, intrigue, romance, love, mystery, and drama. Take a few minutes to read it and see for yourself. Certainly, there are historical and culturally appropriate practices in the passage that would most likely not occur today. However, do not let that keep you from seeing how God honors the faith and obedience of each person involved.

The story opens with Abraham asking his servant to place his hand under Abraham’s thigh and swear an oath. The servant is to swear by the Lord, God of heaven and earth, that he will go to Abraham’s family and find a wife for Isaac and not choose one from the Canaanites. The request may seem a bit odd, but it has similarities to how one would take an oath today. Last year, I watched as my daughter took the oath of office to be an attorney. She stood before a judge, raised her right hand, and repeated the oath of office. It begins with these words, “I solemnly swear to …,” and ends with “So help me God.” Law school was completed, the bar exam passed, but to officially operate as an attorney, she had to take the oath of office, swearing to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Georgia.

The servant had passed “initial tests” as well. Scripture describes him as “the elder of his household who managed all [Abraham] owned.” Abraham knew he was a trusted, loyal servant, but finding Isaac a wife required a next-level commitment. Isaac’s offspring will represent the continuation of God’s covenant with Abraham to be the father of many nations (Genesis 12). The Women’s Evangelical Commentary describes it as “maintaining the spiritual formation of the family.” Abraham trusted God to keep His covenant and knew Isaac’s wife would need to share that same faith.

How is your faith being challenged to a new level? Are you opening your Bible daily to learn more about who God is? Are you engaged with a small group that keeps you accountable? Do you regularly attend church? Are you praying with and for your family? My prayer this week is that those questions will help you find new ways to level up your faith and maintain the spiritual formation of your family.

Bridget Turner serves as the Director of Women’s Groups at NorthStar Church. She and her husband, Steve, live in Powder Springs and have two young adult children, Hannah and Joshua. She enjoys watching football, traveling and reading.

 

Digging Deeper: A Letter from the President

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on July 19, 2024

 

1 Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. 2 And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.

Genesis 23:1-2  (NLT)


A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

 

We have spent this week focusing on the difficult subject of grief, specifically how Abraham processed the passing of his wife, Sarah. I would like to talk about another Abraham, though. This man was no stranger to grief. He lost his mother when he was just a nine-year-old boy, his sister died 10 years later during childbirth, and he himself would later lose two sons to illness before they reached the age of 12. I am referring to Abraham Lincoln, one of the most well-versed people on the subject of grief in the public eye.

Lincoln’s second son, Edward, died at the age of 4 from tuberculosis. He then lost his son, Willie, to typhoid fever. Willie passed during Lincoln’s time as president in 1862. Elizabeth Keckly, a former slave who had been hired as Mrs. Lincoln’s Chief Wardrobe Designer, recounted Willie’s passing and said that Lincoln stood at the end of his bed, staring at his body moments after. She said the president stood “in silent, awe-stricken wonder…the genius and greatness weeping over love’s idol lost.”

Lincoln was no stranger to loss, in other words. It is the reason he was hesitant to let his eldest, Robert Todd Lincoln, serve during the Civil War. He was afraid he would lose him too. He eventually relented but assigned Robert as an assistant to General Grant, thereby guaranteeing he would be kept close to Grant and out of harm’s way to whatever degree possible.

It would make sense, then, for Lincoln to be a qualified grief counselor in some sense after having so much practice himself. Also in 1862, a good friend of his named William McCullough was killed in battle, further devastating Lincoln. He penned a letter to the surviving daughter of McCullough, named Fanny. In the letter, Lincoln says, “In this sad world of ours, sorrow comes to all; and, to the young, it comes with bitterest agony, because it takes them unawares. The older have learned to ever expect it. I am anxious to afford some alleviation of your present distress. Perfect relief is not possible, except with time.”

Lincoln’s letter echoes the lessons we have studied repeatedly this week. We will all experience trouble, and the time to process and mourn is necessary (Genesis 23:1-2); we need to accept help in our times of need and offer it to those struggling around us when we can (Galatians 6:2, Proverbs 17:17); and we are reminded by Paul to look out for each other, not just ourselves (Philippians 2:4).

When we face challenges, our task is to persevere in the faith to receive what is promised to us (Hebrews 10:36), relying on God’s word to guide us. Lincoln called the Bible “the best gift God has given to man.” So heed our weary past president’s words and cling tightly to Scripture. Our hope is in Christ, no matter what we are facing. For He told us that “…in this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Walks to Winks

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on July 18, 2024

 

1 Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. 2 And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.

Genesis 23:1-2  (NLT)


WALKS TO WINKS

 

As we reflect on the subject of emotional turmoil and grief, we have focused on Abraham and the death of his wife, Sarah. Even though none of us ever met Abraham, many of us can relate to the story through relevant personal losses we have experienced in our lifetimes.

The first time I ever remember experiencing death’s sting was when my grandmother, “Nana,” passed away in 1999. I was 12 years old, and I knew she was sick with lung cancer. I had been given limited anecdotes from my parents about how serious it was and to enjoy the time I got to spend with her.

I remember getting called up to the front office at school out of nowhere on a cold February day and feeling so perplexed with curiosity as to why I was leaving early that day. When I rounded the corner down the hallway and saw my teary-eyed father, I immediately knew, even before he told me. She was 58 years old.

I have always felt sorrow that I did not get to experience life beyond that age with her. I remember her, but I remember her through the eyes of a 12-year-old. I remember that being the only time I ever really saw my grandfather sad. He was a man who rarely wasn’t wearing a smile, thus sorrow wasn’t a common mode for him. I am grateful to say that my grandfather (“Pop Pop” to us) lived to see me get married, and he and I developed a special bond.

My family would take vacations every summer to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, with my grandfather picking a new beach house for my family and extended family to spend a week in every summer. I was an early riser, and most mornings it would be just me and him watching the sun come up over the beach in the distance. He would take a morning walk to a little general store called “Winks” every morning and grab a newspaper before everyone woke.

So, he started inviting me to go with him. It became our thing. Every vacation, I would get up, race to the living room, and wait for him to put on a pot of coffee so it would be ready by the time we got back. We would walk the beach road or sometimes in the sand until we got to Winks, where my grandfather and his infectiously boisterous personality were well known and well liked. He seemingly knew no strangers and would always manage to say something to make someone laugh.

In those early morning conversations, sometimes he would tell me about my grandmother. I would learn things about her that I didn’t know, and he would recount stories from their younger days. He even told me that she would yell “Master Chief!” to which my grandfather, who was an actual Master Chief in the Navy, knew he had messed up and was in the doghouse. We would laugh at those stories.

These conversations were joyful for me, and I think cathartic at times for him. Being present for someone and listening is sometimes the best medicine we can offer when they are working out their grief. We are sure to face adversity, and we all process that differently. We have a responsibility to be there for each other, but how? Paul simply says to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). If we do this, we honor the grieving and Christ alike.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Your Reputation

Kevin Burrell on July 17, 2024

 

First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because the [news about your faithfulness is being spread throughout the whole world.

Romans 1:8

 

YOUR REPUTATION

 

Many years ago, a frozen pizza company was trying to figure out an advertising campaign to bring attention to their product.  They designed a series of humorous commercials where an individual was about to lose his life in some melodramatic fashion.  In each case, they were asked, “What do you want on your Tombstone?” – to which the answer was, “Pepperoni and Cheese, please.”  It was a risky ad since Americans don’t want to hear about death. The company was trying to be humorous with their new catchy name, “Tombstone Pizza Company.” 

 

That leads me to ask you the following question—when you die, what inscription would you like written on your tombstone?

 

Ruth Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, died in 2007 and had this chiseled on her tombstone:

“End of Construction—Thank You For Your Patience.”

 

I like that!  She didn’t pick a favorite Bible verse or a lofty quote from a famous leader. She humbled herself and admitted that her life had been “a work in progress” until she died.

 

Listen Closely:  Character is who you are; reputation is what others think you are.  In an age of the internet, texting, email and social media, what people think about you and what people say about your reputation as a follower of Jesus Christ can be spread quickly.  The reputation of the New Testament believers and their faithfulness spread like wildfire “throughout the whole world.”  Think about that for a moment.  Don’t miss that important detail.  No internet, no texting, no email and no social media, yet their “faithfulness spread throughout the whole world.”  Wow!  That is a godly reputation.

 

When people see you, what is their first thought?  What does your reputation say to them?  Do they immediately think, “Christ follower!” “Not ashamed about his or her faith in Christ!”  “Lives the life of a committed follower of Jesus Christ!”  Or do they not give those characteristics a second thought about you?  I encourage you to be bold.  Be fearless.  Be strong.  Do not be ashamed.  Stand firm and resolute in your faith.  Live the life that the Apostle Paul penned in Romans 1:16:

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Jesus Christ. For it is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.”

 

Let those words be your reputation!

Love God.  Love People.  Live Sent.

Be Worth Being,

 

Kevin

Kevin Burrell has worked in professional baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 43 years, and currently serves as an area scouting supervisor. Kevin was drafted in the 1st round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th selection overall), and played ten years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He and his wife, Valerie, live in Sharpsburg, Ga.

Digging Deeper: Help Winning the Fight

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on July 17, 2024

3 And Abraham rose up from before his dead and said to the Hittites, 4“I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” 5 The Hittites answered Abraham, 6 “Hear us, my lord; you are a prince of God among us. Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb to hinder you from burying your dead.” 7 Abraham rose and bowed to the Hittites, the people of the land. 

Genesis 23:3-7  (NLT)


HELP WINNING THE FIGHT

 

I have always enjoyed sports, but I have never really been into boxing. One of my brothers and my dad both love boxing, even taking trips to see major fights in person. I typically stick to baseball and college football. I do, however, enjoy a good boxing movie.

The most notable one is the Rocky collection, which happens to be my brother’s favorite movie series. Another one that I like is Million Dollar Baby, a great movie with a tragic ending. My personal favorite, though, is a movie called Cinderella Man. It stars Russell Crowe as real-life boxer James “Jimmy” Braddock.

The true story is about Braddock’s failing boxing career at the onset of the Great Depression. Braddock was fighting uninteresting matches for whatever money he could get while trying to grab work, with thousands of others, wherever he could find it. Struggling to make ends meet, Braddock suffers a broken hand and can’t fight for a period of time, hurting his ability to earn money for his family.

In a touching scene in the movie, Braddock is at his wit’s end and is trying to avoid eviction. He goes directly to Madison Square Garden offices and takes off his hat, begging for spare change and money needed to stave off eviction (roughly $35, apparently). This scene presents us with a broken and desperate man doing whatever he has to do to protect his wife and kids.

We hopefully will never experience this measure of financial or personal desperation, but if we do, it is up to us to be willing to ask for help. We are reminded over and over again in Scripture that our one true helper is the Lord (Psalm 121:2), and when those moments come, we can’t be unwilling to ask Him for help.

We are to seek counsel from others (Proverbs 12:15) and not get caught up trying to solve everything on our own. This prideful sense of not burdening others with our problems is not healthy, and a true reflection of the humility of Christ is knowing when to ask for help.

In Cinderella Man, after Braddock’s injury is healing, his former trainer and friend offers him a fight where he knows Braddock will be overmatched but says it will pay Braddock $200 if he is willing to step into the ring. Braddock responds joyously, “For $200 I would fight your mother!” and they share a laugh and an embrace.

What follows is the remarkable true story of the underdog Jim Braddock. He would go on an incredible run where he would defeat Corn Griffin, John Henry Lewis, Art Lasky, and eventually Max Baer to win the Heavyweight Championship, etching his name on the wall of the greatest sports stories ever.

This moment was born out of his desperation and his willingness to ask for and accept help. We may not always win every time we step into the ring, but if we put our faith in the right place and accept the help of those around us, we at least have a puncher’s chance.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.

 

Digging Deeper: Bear Each Other’s Burdens

Avatar photo Lee Wilson on July 16, 2024

7Abraham rose and bowed to the Hittites, the people of the land. 8And he said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar, 9that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns; it is at the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as property for a burying place.”

10Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittites, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the Hittites, of all who went in at the gate of his city, 11“No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.” 12Then Abraham bowed down before the people of the land. 13And he said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, “But if you will, hear me: I give the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there.” 14Ephron answered Abraham, 15“My lord, listen to me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.” 16Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants.

Genesis 23:7-16  (NLT)


BEAR EACH OTHER’S BURDENS

 

When we experience pain in this world, one of the only remedies is the company of those who care for us. If a relative or friend passes away, or if you lose a job or are on the brink of divorce, the company and counsel of godly people is required. When Abraham lost Sarah, he decided he wanted to belong to the community instead of just living on the outskirts. As we learn, he goes to speak with the Hittites and openly calls himself a “sojourner and foreigner among you” (Gen. 23:4). Abraham then asked to buy a plot of land to bury his beloved wife.

The story gets a bit perplexing in modern terms at this point because the locals are seemingly gracious to him and offer free burial plots and caves for him to use. Yet Abraham is not satisfied and insists upon buying a place for burial. Overhearing this insistence, Ephron enters the fray and again tries to offer free land to Abraham, but he refuses. After Ephron lists the price as 400 shekels of silver, Abraham carefully measures out and pays the fee in front of everyone, and the land was sold to Abraham. The puzzling nature of this transaction can be explained like this: Abraham wanted to be a land-owning member of the community. He no longer sought to live on the fringes and have to “borrow” free space to bury his wife.

By doing this, Abraham honored the long-term residents with an open and honest business transaction in public, ingratiating himself to them and adhering to cultural norms of the time. He wanted to belong to the community. When we are in search of relief in our most challenging moments, we must rely on the community that we belong to, underscoring the importance of finding this community for ourselves and our families. Paul reminds us that when we are in moments of affliction, we are to “Bear each other’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

If we can find our place in our community, like Abraham did, and commit to bearing one another’s burdens, the responsibility then comes to us to accept the help of those around us when our time of need comes. When my daughter passed away, my wife and I drove home from the hospital, exhausted with grief, and slept hard. The next morning, I pried myself out of bed and began to think about arranging a funeral and speaking with family that would be coming into town. Then, around 8 a.m., I had a knock at my door.

It was my friend and our small group leader, Mike Lindeman. He had several boxes of donuts and coffee. He leaned in my front door, gave me a hug, and left me with breakfast. He spent maybe two minutes there before going on his way, saying he just wanted to offer some food because he figured we would have company that day. I remember Mike telling me during that time that it was important to accept help because those around us who cared wanted desperately to help, and we should let them. It meant a lot to me, and it’s a lesson I never forgot. When we find our community or our small group and bear each other’s burdens, we honor God. Give help when you can, but also gladly accept the support of others when it is offered.

 

Lee Wilson and his wife, Deanna, have been NorthStar Church members since 2010. They are parents to Everett, Henry and Roselyn. Lee is passionate about sports (Go Braves, Go Dawgs) and has the pleasure to serve on the worship team as a bassist.