Reading: Genesis 25:1-11

Abraham dies when he was 175 years old.  When God made His covenant He promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations (Gen 12) and kings; the land of Canaan would be an everlasting possession (Gen 17). Other blessings were also promised. However, Abraham did not receive all these blessings in his own life time. Canaan and its cities were inhabited by other nations while Abraham lived in tents and often had to move. Abraham did not see kings born in his family. He did not live to see Jesus Christ through whom the promised salvation would come (Hebrews 11:39 and 40). However, Abraham believed that all the promises would be faithfully delivered by His covenant LORD Yahweh. Abraham believed he would one day live with God face to face in life eternal. “By faith … he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10).

 

Many people are very worried about dying; they do not die peacefully because they do not have faith. But Abraham died in faith, and in peace, knowing God will give Him eternal salvation, and deliver all His promises to the church. What a great blessing, not only for Abraham, also for all believers. Abraham and the other Old Testament believers are examples for us to have peace in our hearts and remain faithful and “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Let us therefore study and trust in God’s promises and avoid everything that can tempt us away from Him.

 

Key verse: Genesis 25:8 “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.”

 

Question: Why do believers not have to be afraid of death?