1. Sarah's death (1-6)

Sarah's death marked the end of an era. Abraham lived to be 175; he took another wife and had children. However,

Genesis is concerned with God's covenant history, so Sarah's death marks the final chapter in Abraham's story. His actions at this time reveal his faith. God had promised Abraham the whole land of Canaan, but actually, he did not own even one foot of land. He lived in tents as an alien and stranger in the land of promise. But he believed that God would keep his promise (Heb 11:9).

2. Abraham rose and bowed to the people (7-20)

Abraham bargained with Ephron the Hittite to buy the cave of Machpelah as a burial site. Someday God would give him the whole land, but he did not try to take advantage of his spiritual privilege to get material benefit. He accepted present reality and waited patiently on God's time.

Application: Lord, help me to live as a pilgrim, an alien and a stranger in this world, trusting you and your blessing. Help me to live and die believing your promises.
One Word: A pilgrim traveling toward heaven