A mercy-full long life

When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. Enoch lived 365 years, walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him. Genesis 5:21-24

I had to sit with this one. "After the birth of Methuselah"...Now, I am the mom of four. One of my labors was especially rough and it's 26 hours I won't ever forget. But something about Methuselah's birth changed Enoch forever, because after it he began to walk "in close fellowship with God" and did so for the next 300 years. Why?

Methuselah means, "his death will bring." Um, what? It can also be translated "When he is dead, it shall be sent" or, "When he dies, judgment." I'll spare you all the detailed calculations, but guess what: the year Methuselah died...the Flood came. (Some extra-biblical sources say he died seven days prior). It can be assumed that God showed dad that when his son died, there would be judgment on the earth. And that drove Enoch to an intense relationship with God that so marked God with delight that one day He just said (sort of), 'You know what? You get a pass on this death thing. Come on up."

What's also interesting is that Methuselah, most of us out there know, lived longer than anyone else ever. What does that preach about God's mercy? "The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. " 2 Peter 3:9

All of us know, instinctively, whether we are Christians or whether we are not, that one day judgment is coming. We know, instinctively, right from wrong. We know that no farther than our home page or the flip of our TV remotes, that the world is skyrocketing into unprecedented craziness. No, I am not a doomsayer or a fanatic...I'm just sayin'. No one knows the day or the hour, but Jesus said that when (the signs we are seeing in the world today) begin to happen, look up! It's about to happen. This is the third time this week, in three different places, in fact, that I have seen this message.

If we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, this gives us hope, not fear. If you read this and are afraid...or if you read this and get angry...you do not have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. And guess what? Today can be the day for that. Methuselah's long life shows us God isn't impulsive and quick-tempered; He gave a warning and lots of time.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 It's our "Come on up here!"

As for me, I am planning to get right up close to God and walk in fellowship with Him for the rest of my days...even if I don't get a pass on the death thing (grin). Join me.