READING: Genesis 25-26
175.
That’s the number of years Abraham, the man God called to begin the lineage of His people, lived. Obviously, then, that was his age at his death. And, that’s the age he was “gathered to his people.” In fact, read the words for yourself:
This is the length of Abraham’s life: 175 years. He took his last breath and died at a ripe old age, old and contented, and he was gathered to his people (Gen. 25:7-8).
All of these concepts fit together nicely, actually. Abraham lived to a “ripe old age,” and he died a contented man; in fact, he died just as God had said he would: “But you will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age” (Gen. 15:15). Abraham would then be “gathered to his people,” a phrase that might well speak of some kind of reunion in the afterlife. It surely reminds us that death is not the end.
What a way to live and die! To be called of God to be instrumental in His plan. To know intimately this God, a God who always keeps His word. To live until a “ripe old age.” To die in peace. And then, to be reunited with loved ones.
To live and die in the plan of God — that’s contentment. And, the only way we die in contentment tomorrow is to live in contentment today.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps today:
- Think about the areas of your life where you are not content. Confess them to God.
- If God were to call you home today, you simply cannot die in contentment if you don’t have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus. If you want that contentment, trust Jesus, turn from your wrongs, and enter into a personal relationship with Him.
PRAYER: “God, I confess that I’m not always content. Help me to find my contentment in You, both in life and in death.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 27-29