How does God want us to live with our neighbours? How can people see that the true and living God is with us? Basically, people can see God’s presence in our lives when: (1) we change; and (2) God’s blessings are evident in our lives. God can surely fulfill His promises to us. The important thing is, when we walk in step with Him and obey Him, then His great power and fulfilment will come upon our lives. Not only does God want us to live in His favor, but also the favor of man, because His desire is also to use our life testimonies to win souls into His Kingdom. Thus, as far as possible, we should live in peace with our neighbours, and think of ways to bless them with the gospel.
Verses to read:
<Gen 21:22-34>
1. Testimony of a non-believer: “God is with you in all that you are doing” <v22>
- God’s blessings on Abraham too obvious.
- Abimelek even confident of God’s future grace on Abraham.
- Willing to make treaty though deceived by Abraham before.
- A king actually pleaded with a foreigner in his own land!
- The praise we should aim for: “God is with you in everything you do.”
2. God fulfills His promises, perhaps slowly, but surely!
- Though not yet possess promised land, at least Abraham owned a well now >>> God’s promise is slowly actualizing
- God is paving the way for Israel to possess promised land, by making Abraham’s name great <cf. Gen 12:2-3>.
- In the process >>> difficulties >>> greater power of God
- God affirms His promise not only by His own word, but also by Abimelek’s testimony
- Our lives may also seem mundane, but God is working in the ordinary.
- We should keep up with our persistent worship of God too.
3. How did Abraham receive such great blessings?
- People cannot see evidences when:
- Didn’t believe God’s word
- Thus didn’t obey
- Of course, no evidences
- Worse, follow own flesh and heart bound by sin and devil
- Abraham was blessed, because God first chose him to bless him.
- But on his part, Abraham also submitted to God, thus could see evidences.
- “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” <Mt 5:8>.
4. How should we live with our neighbours?
- Live in favor of God and man, like Jesus <cf. Lk 2:52>
- Need strong relationship with God:
- Then can draw from His love and wisdom to love others
- Then our lives can exude joy and strength from God to attract others
- Our network of contacts and living fields very important.
- Value people around us.
- Live in harmony as far as possible.
- Witness for God.
