Ministers Blogs
““Making the most of life””
Methuselah is recorded in the Bible as being the oldest man who ever lived. The Bible does not tell us much about Methuselah. He is only recorded three times in the Bible: Genesis 5:25-27; 1 Chronicles 1:3 and in Luke 3:37. His lineage and the number of years he lived, 969 years, is all we know about him.
As the year 2,020 approaches, there are many television documentaries that show the major historical events of the past 10 even 20 years. Just think of all the things that have developed in that much time. Our country has had four presidents. Children have been born. People have been married. People have passed away. Then think about how technology has changed in the past twenty years. The way we listen to music; CDs and now everything is digital, how to communicate with people; cell phones and social media, and even cars have advanced with technology.
Now imagine being Methuselah’s age; he was lacking 31 years of living for an entire millennium. I cannot even phantom that much time; can you? Methuselah could have planted a Redwood tree and watch it grow. Although I hope he did not do that. But I do wonder what he did during his life and if he lived life to its fullest? One preacher pointed out about Methuselah, “So far as we know, he never accomplished one worthwhile thing.” We may never know what he did or did not do.
Methuselah reminds us that there is more to life than “accumulating” birthdays. Notice what James 4:13 tells us, “…What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” The wisdom of the Bible is life is short, and we are like a mist that is here today and gone tomorrow. So, we must use our life wisely. Then Psa. 90:12, reminds us, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
We don’t know how Methuselah used his life, but the Bible tells us how we are to use our lives for the glory of God. We must make the most of every day that has God blesses us with. Ecc. 3:12-13 states, “I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil – this is the gift of God.”
Our life is a gift from God. As we enter a New Year, may we realize the value of our life and do all we can to service and love our God who never changes.
Happy New Year!
Mark T. Tonkery
