Methuselah

 When Methuselah was 187 years old, he had Lamech. After he had Lamech, he lived another 782 years. Methuselah lived a total of 969 years. And he died.     Genesis 5.25-27

I cannot imagine living 969 years in this evil world.

Nevertheless, that is what Methuselah did. He lived during a time when humans were so depraved, God regretted that He had made man.

The Bible does not record much more about Methuselah’s life. However, a few things intrigue me about him. He was the oldest man who ever lived, his means ‘his death sends', and he died the year of the flood. Even in the brevity of the narrative of his life, he left a legacy of righteousness in his grandson and perhaps was one of the faithful who helped Noah build the ark.

God suffers long with humankind because He desires that none will perish but that all would come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2.4) Throughout our lives He teaches, encourages, supports, strengthens, and woos us into alignment with His heart. All He asks is we read His Word, listen to His voice, and obey.

I am living witness that God has not only cared for me but has suffered long through my almost 50 years of ups and downs. Though not raised in a Christian home, He led me to realise that the precepts in God’s Word will not only assist and guide me, but will help me become the person He intended.

Father, as we lay our cares at Your feet, help us to realise there is nothing too big or too small for You to handle. Help us to recognise that even though things surrounding us seem to be a little murky, You are carrying us through it all.

You who have been carried by Me from your birth and have been carried in my arms from the womb, even to your old age I am He, and even to your advanced old age I will carry you! I have made you, and I will carry you, be assured I will carry you and I will save you.        Isaiah 46.3-4