The Compassion of Abraham

Jasher 22:11-13

11.

And Abraham planted a large grove in Beersheba, and he made to it four gates facing the four sides of the earth, and he planted a vineyard in it, so that if a traveler came to Abraham he entered any gate which was in his road, and remained there and ate and drank and satisfied himself and then departed.

12.

For the house of Abraham was always open to the sons of men that passed and repassed, who came daily to eat and drink in the house of Abraham.

13

And any man who had hunger and came to Abraham's house, Abraham would give him bread that he might eat and drink and be satisfied, and any one that came naked to his house he would clothe with garments as he might choose, and give him silver and gold and make known to him the Lord who had created him in the earth; this did Abraham all his life.

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Throughout the written life of Abraham that we have in the holy scriptures, we can clearly see that Abraham was a man who considered righteousness. He did not place himself above others, and always looked to correct his wrongs. He actively pursued peace and accommodation of his neighbors.

We can also see, that because he had faith in God, that his actions were blessed. Even when there was conflict in his tent, or with his neighbor, Abraham did not remain frustrated or bitter, instead he made great effort to correct the situation. It was this acting on faith that indeed blessed his efforts.

Today, we have been shown that indeed it was not Abraham himself that honored God, but Abraham's reliance on faith. Indeed, the true children of Abraham are those that act on faith, recognizing that righteousness is of God alone. And Jesus confirmed this, and showed us the ways of selflessness and confidence in holiness.

When I read what Abraham did, when he had his tents set up at Beersheba, it speaks to me of the joy we each have in celebrating our service to God's holiness. Which of us, if given the chance, wouldn't expand on the favor we are shown! The well at Beersheba, dug by Abraham's people, acts as a metaphor, symbolizing our seeking the Kingdom by our faith in Christ's authority. We draw from the Kingdom, and we grow from that holiness, crops of faith, that we then openly share with all who God sets before us. A joy, to be a beacon set on a hill, that all can see.

The compassion of Abraham to create gates facing the four directions, and having them open to all, symbolizes how we do not judge those who seek out life, instead we are open and fearless, actively willing to accomodate all who God sets before us. Abraham had vineyards for any to eat from just inside the gates. This is symbolic of the fullness of righteousness, and our confidence that what can come from us is not only good, but overflows. We are vessels that carry and offer all that is holy, ours is this service by faith.

The compassion of Abraham goes further, he would bring any who would approach, into his house. Offer then food and drink, clothes, even money. And this symbolizes what Jesus mentioned; treat others how you would have yourself be treated. How incredible that our part in God is to honor him by loving one another. How great is our Father and His authority!

Even in the times of Abraham, the ministry of compassion sings to us. Love the Father, love one another. It brings me joy knowing that in Christ, we all are active in our faith, lile eager children, willing to share and provide for loves sake.

Carry On!