Days Of Our Lives!

Yesterday, reading through the ten generations from Adam to Noah ( Genesis 5), I was once again struck by the thing common to mankind. Each one listed was born, lived, and then died. Life in this realm being only temporary is something we share in common with them. However, the life spans of seven of these-- Adam (5:5), Seth (5:8), Enosh (5:11), Kenan (5:14), Jared (5:20), Methuselah (5:27), and Noah (5:32; 9:29) -- were over 900 years, with Methuselah being the oldest at 969 years old. Mahalalel lived only 895 (5:17) and Lamech lived even less at 777 years (5:31). Other than Noah who found favor in the eyes of the Lord ( Genesis 6:8) because he was a righteous man while the world around him lived in wickedness, the only other specifically noted for his righteous life was Enoch.

This is what we know about Enoch.
"(21) When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. (22) Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. (23) Thus all THE DAYS OF ENOCH WERE 365 YEARS. (24) ENOCH WALKED WITH GOD, AND HE WAS NOT, FOR GOD TOOK HIM." ( Genesis 5:21-24 ESV)

What a wonderful commentary on a life; to have spent it WALKING WITH GOD. However, it is interesting to note that this one who only lived a little over one third of the life span of the others was not listed as having died, but rather having been taken by God. The writer of Hebrews tells us the same thing. ( Hebrews 11:5) Rather than being blessed with long life for his righteousness, he was taken from this life. Eventually we read that due to the wickedness of mankind, God was going to begin to shorten mankind's life span. ( Genesis 6:3) When we read through the ten generations from Noah to Abraham, we see that life span beginning to shrink lower and lower. ( Genesis 11:10-32) For some, having more time is more time to get into trouble and forget God.

Even today we sometimes feel the righteous are taken from us too soon. It is true that some lives are cut too short due to many varying circumstances. Though we don't always know the mind of God, could it be that sometimes His blessing is for them to be spared the sight and impact of the continued wickedness going on in this realm? Could it be that they are numbered among those "of whom the world was not worthy"? ( Hebrews 11:38) Can we find some comfort in that possibility?

God does not take people from this life because He needs them. To be forever with Him is our blessing. Since we know we share that commonness of being born, living, and then dying, may our resolve be focused on WALKING WITH GOD for however many our days might be.

Have a great day KNOWING WHERE OUR WALK WITH GOD ULTIMATELY LEADS!
Carl

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("teEn-MAIL" is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area. www.porttownsendchurchofchrist.org)

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