Death & the Child of God- Genesis 23

I want to begin this sermon with words from C. H. Mackintosh in his notes on the Pentateuch,

“This little section of inspiration furnishes much sweet and profitable instruction to the soul. In it the Holy Spirit sets before us a beautiful exhibition of the mode in which the man of faith should carry himself toward those that are without.”

We see in the life of Abraham ways to conduct one’s self as a believer and ways not to conduct one’s self as a believer. For example, we remember that in Genesis chapters 12, 16, and 20 Abraham’s deceit and failure to trust the promise of God.

But in chapter 23 we see how one should conduct himself in relation to those in the world. While not abdicating his responsibilities as a follower of God, Abraham works within the culture and structures of this pagan society. This provides us with much encouragement as we find ourselves in an increasingly pagan society.

But we see something more in this passage, we see death. In fact, the word death is used seven times in this chapter of 20 verses. Death comes to all, but how do believers respond? How does Abraham respond to the death of his beloved wife and mother of his promised child?

This will be a weightier sermon as it relates to death, and death is a terrifying and depressing subject. But as followers of Jesus Christ, we know that death has been defeated and we have been delivered from this mindset of slavery.

I. The Reason for Death- Gen. 2:15-17, 23:1-2

Death is the experience of every human being (with the exception of two individuals in Scripture). It is called the “great equalizer.” Cultures have responded to death in different ways. Religions view death different.

As Christians who firmly believe the Word of God and submit to its teachings, we know that there is a reason for death.

In the Garden of Eden Adam was given specific commands and failed to obey them. He rejected the arrangement (or, covenant), God made with him and chose death.

Consider Paul’s words in Romans 5:12-14 “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.”

Sarah, at the old age of 127 years, dies. We could argue that at 127 years old, death is expected, and I believe there is some truth to that. However, as Christians we recognize that death is the result of sin.

As we relate not only to fellow believers, but with unbelievers, death offers us a unique way to present the Lord Jesus.

We certainly do not want to go up to someone in grief and say, “Yeah, well she was a sinner after all!” But we can gracious present the answer to death in a comforting way.

Likewise, when mass shootings or tragic accidents occur, we know this happens because of sin. We dare not presume to offer reasons why certain events happen (Luke 13:1-5), but we know that the reason death exists is because God is judging our sins.

As we go about our lives in this fallen and dark world, may we never forget the reason for death: sin.

II. The Responsibility in Death- Gen. 23:3-20

This is not the most exciting portion of Scripture to read. Abraham, heartbroken with the loss of his wife, begins to search out a place to bury Sarah. The exchange between Abraham and the Hittites is a common one in the Ancient Near East.

There is mutual respect shown between the Patriarch and the people of the land, and this presents us with instruction on how to handle ourselves amongst unbelievers.

Abraham is simply living out the New Testament teachings found in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”

His knowledge of the ways of salvation are limited, the evangelistic expectations slightly different, but notice the corollary between the Abraham and Paul’s admonition to Timothy.

Abraham was not quarrelsome but kind

Abraham taught the Hittites that death was not the end

Abraham lived a life of faith, thus encouraging the Hittites to inquire about the LORD

Besides taking care of the practical arrangements for death (and I would argue preparing for them as well), we should realize what an incredible responsibility we believers have in death. This brings us to our right response in death.

III. The Right Response to Death- Hebrews 11:1, 8-19

What is the right response to death? We know people who, upon the death of a close friend or loved one who lose it. They cannot function anymore. Perhaps they fail to go to work, get out of bed, eat, or they constantly post on social media their grief.

While there is a grieving process, the believer handles death differently than the unbeliever (or, they should!). 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

How do we approach death in this way? How do we respond rightly to death? By Faith.

A. By faith, we understand that death does not have the last word

Mackintosh writes, “Death is the boundary of Satan’s power; but where Satan ends, God beings.” He is called the God of the living. By faith we understand that our goodbyes are temporary. Our loved ones and friends who are saved by grace will be waiting for us in that heavenly city, as Heb. 11:10, 16 tell us.

B. By faith, we understand that this life is a life of exile

This truth of the faith has completely changed my view of this life. I was very earth-bound in my thinking (and still am!), so much that I found everything wrapped up in this life. And I do not mean sinful things, but things like my wife, children, health, parents, etc.

In other words, I had put all my stock in this life, and when faced with certain death, I became greatly depressed. When the Lord opened my eyes to His Word that we are exiles, temporarily journeying through this life in tents, what a comfort that was!

It was a gracious pillow on which I could lay my head, knowing that this life is but a moment, its pains and pleasures fleeting, but there will be joy unspeakable and full of glory in that death where I stand before the Lord.

C. By faith, we understand that life everlasting awaits all who believe

Notice in Hebrews 11:19 “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.”

Abraham knew that the would be a resurrection. We know, thanks to the Lord’s revelation, what this resurrection life will be like from Revelation 21:1-4 “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.””

So, as we read Genesis chapter 23, we remember the reason for death, our responsibility in death, and the right response to death. Let us, as we live in this life eagerly looking forward to the life to come, live by faith.