A Good Old Age

A Good Old Age

“Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭25:8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“A good old age.” Is it just me, or does that sound like an oxymoron?

When we reach the “old age” part of our life, there are times when it doesn’t feel “good.”

According to thesun.co.uk,

the signs that you are getting older include:

1. Forgetting people’s names.
2. Losing hair.
3. Feeling stiff.
4. Talking a lot about your joints/ailments.
5. Groaning when you bend down.
6. Not knowing any songs in the top ten.
7. Misplacing your glasses/ bag/ car keys etc
8. Getting more hairy – ears, eyebrows, nose, face etc.
9. Avoid lifting heavy things due to back concerns.
10. Saying ‘in my day.’

The list brings a smile to my face, but yes, I can relate to pretty much all of them.

Abraham lived to be 175 years old, so it’s possible he endured some of the same things you and I encounter as we are getting older. 

I like the NASB translation of today’s verse.

“Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭25:8‬ ‭

In spite of the challenges and difficulties of life, it says that Abraham was “satisfied with life.”

I think his satisfaction had a lot to do with his relationship with God. 

We can learn from his example.

Abraham: 

1. Obeyed God. He left his own country when God said go. Later, when tested by God, was willing to offer up Issac, his only son.
2. Believed God. “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”Romans‬ ‭4:3‬ 
3. Worshipped God. Several times it’s recorded that Abraham set up an altar and bowed before God. 
4. Abraham was a friend of God. “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.”     James‬ ‭2:23‬ ‭

Friend of God! What a legacy…

Let’s draw near to God, through faith in His Son Jesus Christ, obeying, believing, and worshiping Him. 

Then Lord willing, when we reach the “good old age” we will be able to say that we are “satisfied with life.”