5 Lessons from the Life of Methuselah

The scriptures didn't lay much emphasis on the life of methuselah, but from the little, I learn't 

2) He gave birth to his first son Lamech at age 187 years. From this I learnt, that we can wait on God and at the set time he would give us that blessing that we have being waiting for and also keep us to enjoy it to the fullest. God rewards our waiting with more days of his blessings.

3) I just realized something now. It was after Enoch gave birth to Methuselah, he worked with God 300 years.

4) I learnt he is from the lineage of the Seth, a geneology of Adam. The generation of whom men started calling upon the name of the Lord.

5) *man of the dart* 

This Biblical name means "one who was sent" or "man of the dart." In the Hebrew Bible, Methuselah was the longest-living human being, having lived to be a whopping 969 years old. The years may fly by as your precious Methuselah grows up, but one thing is certain: your unconditional bond will last forever!18

1. Longevity

That he lived longer than any man on earth for 969 years. This is an indication that God was truly having long life for humanity.

Over time like kept degrading as the earth and everything was fallen and was under a curse of death.

2. Patience

He gave birth to his first son Lamech at age 187 years. From this I learnt, that we can wait on God and at the set time he would give us that blessing that we have being waiting for and also keep us to enjoy it to the fullest. God rewards our waiting with more days of his blessings.

3) *Enoch's work with God*

It was a point out also that after Enoch has given birth to Methuselah, he worked with God for 300 years. Making a total of his age, 365years here on earth before God took him as written in scriptures. Why? For his faith in God.

4) *Godly heritage:* I learnt he is from the lineage of the Seth, a geneology of Adam. The generation of whom men started calling upon the name of the Lord. From the same Generation Christ was born.

5) *Faithfulness:* While not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, Methuselah's longevity suggests a life lived in accordance with faith and righteousness. His story encourages us to stay faithful to our beliefs and values throughout our lives, regardless of the circumstances.

Let now see the meaning of his name.

 The name *Methuselah* holds significance both in its literal meaning and in its symbolic or metaphorical interpretations.

*Literal Meaning:* Methuselah's name is derived from two Hebrew words:

*"Meth"* (מֵת) means *"death"* or *"man."*

*"Shelah"* (שָׁלַח) is thought to be derived from a root meaning *"to send forth"* or *"to bring."* Combining these, Methuselah's name is often interpreted to mean *"his death shall bring"* or *"when he dies, it shall be sent"* or *"his death shall bring judgment."*

*Symbolic Interpretations:*

*Foretelling of the Flood:* In the Bible, Methuselah is said to have lived for 969 years, longer than any other person mentioned. His death is recorded as occurring in the same year as the great flood. Some interpret his name to symbolize that his death marked the beginning of the flood, suggesting a connection between his lifespan and the timing of the catastrophic event.

*Symbol of Longevity:* Methuselah's exceptionally long life has led some to interpret his name as a symbol of longevity. His name, when taken in this light, could be seen as a reminder of the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life.

*Legacy and Judgment:* Another interpretation is that Methuselah's name suggests a connection between his death and impending judgment or change. His name may symbolize the idea that significant events or consequences follow the passing of an individual.

*Divine Timing:* Some interpretations see Methuselah's name as indicating that his death was divinely timed to coincide with the flood, emphasizing the importance of divine intervention and timing in the unfolding of historical events.

Overall, the name Methuselah carries layers of meaning, encompassing themes of mortality, judgment, divine timing, and the passage of time. Its significance is tied not only to the biblical narrative but also to broader themes of human existence and spirituality.

*In summation,  what does it truly has to do with our faith as believers in Christ?*

*As believers in Christ, Methuselah's story and the meaning of his name can offer several spiritual insights and lessons:*

*Hope in God's Promises:* Methuselah's name, which can be interpreted to mean "his death shall bring," can remind believers of the biblical promise of redemption and salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It emphasizes the hope that God's ultimate plan for humanity will be fulfilled, despite the challenges and trials we may face.

*Call to Repentance:* Methuselah's long life and the association of his name with judgment serve as a reminder of the biblical teaching on the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. Believers are encouraged to heed this call to repentance and to live in alignment with God's will, knowing that judgment is inevitable but that God's mercy and forgiveness are available to all who seek it.

*Faithfulness and Perseverance:* Methuselah's longevity suggests a life characterized by faithfulness and perseverance. As believers, we are called to emulate these qualities in our own lives, trusting in God's faithfulness and remaining steadfast in our commitment to Him, even in the face of adversity or uncertainty.

*Awareness of God's Timing:* Methuselah's connection to the timing of the flood highlights the importance of recognizing and aligning ourselves with God's timing and purposes. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing for their lives, knowing that He works all things according to His plan and that His timing is perfect.

*Legacy of Faith:* While Methuselah may not be known for specific achievements, his inclusion in the genealogy of Christ underscores the significance of spiritual heritage and the continuity of God's covenant with His people. Believers are reminded of the importance of passing down their faith to future generations and of the impact that faithful living can have on the spiritual legacy we leave behind.

*Overall, Methuselah's story can deepen believers' understanding of key aspects of their faith, including the importance of repentance, faithfulness, perseverance, and trust in God's promises and timing.*