WHERE DID THEY COME FROM

     It was the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the church was packed. “I pray that all of you had a very thankful thanksgiving.” Randy said as he got ready to deliver his morning sermon. Looking over the sanctuary he was pleased to see so many visitors but he was concerned that one family appeared to be missing but then, in came Stella Peterson yelling out “WHERE DID HE GO?”

     “Why can't we have a normal service around Thanksgiving.” Randy mumbled to himself and then said, “Excuse me, Stella, but we are in the middle...” “I AM NOT Stella!” Stella said interrupting him, “I am your queen, Jezebel. Now you will tell me where Elijah went or I’ll have your head cut off.” “Oh great.” Randy mumbled, “Why are you pretending to be Jezebel?”

     “How dare you insult me.” Stella Said, “I never pretend. “Look around you, Stella.” Randy said, “This is not Israel.” Looking around Stella says “Where did they all come from and what are they doing here in my court?” “This is not your court.” Randy said, “This is a church and they are here to worship God.”

“WHAT!” Stella yelled out, “Kill them all, we will serve Baal and Baal only.” and then took off on the run. “WOW!” Randy said as he turned his attention back to the audience, “She almost seemed to believe she was Queen Jezebel. Anyways, back to this morning mess...” “Excuse me!” sad Martha Peterson interrupting him mid sentence. “Have you seen Stella?”

     “You just missed her.” Randy said, “She was in here pretending to be Queen Jezebel.” “Jezebel?” Martha said, “Which way did she go? I’ve got to catch her and get her back to the hospital.” “Hospital?” Randy said, “What's wrong?” “ Last week she tried to sabotage Harold’s lab that he had been using to make all those potions with.” Martha answered, “And something went wrong.”

     “What do you mean?” Randy asked a bit concerned. “ She mixed a strange concoction together.” Martha went on to explain, “And it exploded all over her and Harold.” “Well she seemed her normal self when she was here.” Randy said a bit confused. “I thought you said she was pretending to be Jezebel.” Martha said. “Yeah,” Randy confirmed, “But isn't pretending normal for her?”

     “Normally yes.” Martha said, But this time she’s not pretending. The explosion messed up her mind and she really thinks she is Jezebel at least for the moment.” What do you mean by that?” Randy asked. “Every so often she starts thinking she’s someone else.” Martha told him, “And she keeps wondering where everybody came form.”

     “Oh.” Randy said, “What about Harold?” “Last time I saw him he thought he was Moses and he kept asking where all the people came from too, but he’s still in the hospital.” Martha said. “well good luck catching her.” Randy said and then turning to the audience he said, “Let's all pray for Harold and Stella right now.”

     Joshua said, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will assuredly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite. Joshua 3:10 (NASB)

     When reading the above verse, one question you may ask yourself is “Who are all these people?” followed by “How did they get there?” Not only here but many times in the Bible names show up and you may wonder the same things. Genesis 10 and 11 helps us to understand some of where these people came from. Several of the names mentioned in Joshua can be found in verses 15-17. Remember the Philistines and the giant Goliath that David fought? You can find their origins in these verses as well.

     Wedged into these list of names is a unique story. A story that tells us why and how these peoples, these nations spread out.

     Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as people migrated from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." And they had brick for stone, and bitumen for mortar. Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth." And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built. And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech." So the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth.

Genesis 11:1-9 (ESV)

     People were growing in numbers and they wanted to build a tower and city toward heaven – not necessarily what they were supposed to be doing. Therefore, God mixed up their languages and as a result they quit and scattered.

    We are told in Acts 17:26 that God made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,(NASB) We may not always want to believe it but all the people on the earth are related to one man through Noah to Adam. Science has even confirmed this even though evolutionist like to spread out the time scale.

     The following link is a great article covering the origins of nations and how the grandsons of Noah spread out from the tower of Babel - http://creation.com/the-sixteen-grandsons-of-noah

      Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you able to trace your lineage back to one of these?
• Are you willing to believe we all came from one man?

HAROLD’S IN CHARGE

     It was a quiet and peaceful afternoon and Robert Grey thought he would lay back in his easy chair and do what old people do – if he could only remember. “Maybe I'll just take a nap.” He thought to himself, “Or maybe I'll go answer the door.” for someone was pounding on the door. That someone didn't wait to be let in and let herself in. It was Stella Peterson and she came in growling.

     “Is there something wrong, Stella?” Robert asked, “You're interrupting my nap.” “YES!” Stella snapped, “And it begins with a capital H.” “Oh great.” Robert sighed, “I thought Harold was going to keep his promise.” “Huh?” Stella said, “What promise?” “Your dad said he promised to never make another potion.” Robert said.

     “Oh, that promise.” Stella said “I take it he didn't keep it?” Robert asked. “Only if he wouldn't have.” Stella said “Not only is he keeping that promise but he’s been keeping all his promises.” “And that’s a problem?” Robert asked a little confused, “I thought that would be wonderful news.” “Don't you get?” Stella growled, “Mom and Dad now think they can trust him.”

     “Yeah?” Robert said. “And now they put him in charge when ever they go somewhere.” Stella continued, “And I hate it.” “Who used to be in charge?” Robert asked, “I was, Grandpa.” Stella said, “And I could do what ever I want. Now, Harold is making me follow the rules.” “Well good for him.” Robert said happily, “It sure is nice to see how much Harold has changed.”

     “GOOD?” Stella yelled out, “That’s probably the worst thing you could say. He’s driving me crazy.” “what's wrong with following the rules?” Robert asked. “Well,” Stella snorted, “Nothing if your somebody else, but I’m suppose to be above the rules.” “Since when?” Robert said in a harsh tone. “Since I said so.” Stella snapped, “After all I am the best girl in the world.”

     “Sounds to me as if YOU have a problem.” Robert said. “That’s what I said, Grandpa.” Stella responded, “And I need to get rid of it.” “Maybe yo should start by praying for God’s help.” Robert suggested, “And then you can make a plan to do something about it.” “That won't exactly work.” Stella said, “Harold and God are good friends now.”

     “Stella!” Robert said sternly, “Harold is not your problem.” “YES HE IS!!” Stella shout back, “And And I’m going to get rid of him myself. I know, I’ll rig his science lab to destroy him. Than it will look like an accident.” “Oh NO you don't” Robert said as he headed towards his granddaughter but she was to quick and ran from the house with a sinister laugh. “So much for mu nap.” Robert said, “Looks like I have a problem to try and stop.”

      But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. 

James 3:8-9 (TEV)

     How many of you have a tongue? Tongues can taste some wonderful things and somethings that are not so wonderful. Tongues can say some wonderful things but they can also say some really awful things. By our choice we use our tongues to bless and to curse. In Genesis 9 we find one man's choice brings the choice to curse and bless by another.

      The sons of Noah who went out of the boat were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. These three sons of Noah were the ancestors of all the people on earth. Noah, who was a farmer, was the first man to plant a vineyard. After he drank some of the wine, he became drunk, took off his clothes, and lay naked in his tent. When Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked, he went out and told his two brothers. Then Shem and Japheth took a robe and held it behind them on their shoulders. They walked backward into the tent and covered their father, keeping their faces turned away so as not to see him naked. When Noah sobered up and learned what his youngest son had done to him, he said, "A curse on Canaan! He will be a slave to his brothers. Give praise to the LORD, the God of Shem! Canaan will be the slave of Shem. May God cause Japheth to increase! May his descendants live with the people of Shem! Canaan will be the slave of Japheth."

Genesis 9:18-27 (TEV)

     Canaan was cursed while his uncles were blessed and all because of Ham's choice a choice to honor or dishonor his father. In the puppet story Stella had a choice, one to obey of disobey her parents by obeying or disobeying her brother Harold who had been put in charge. We all need to make choices. We can see the need for choices in the Bible and see how some have chosen in the sample verses below.

• Joshua 24:15 "If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship GOD, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship GOD." (MSG) – We can't serve to master. If we try we become unstable
• Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, "Don't make me leave you, for I want to go wherever you go and to live wherever you live; your people shall be my people, and your God shall be my God; (TLB) – Choosing to stay with God can have an impact way into the future – Ruth became part of the lineage of Jesus.
• 1 Kings 3:9 Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between what is right and what is wrong. For who by himself is able to carry such a heavy responsibility?" (TLB) – We all wish we could have wishes come true. Solomon was allowed to have a wish come true and he choice wisely. Would we?
• Psalm 119:173 Stand ready to help me because I have chosen to follow your will. (TLB) - Could we say the same thing?
• Luke 10:42 Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her. (NCV) – Martha had been complaining but Jesus reminder her that Mary had made the right choice. Would we?

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Do you have problems with other people doing what is right?
• What kind of choice would yo make if you were Stella or Ham?

NO MORE POTIONS

     He had been dreading this day for some time now and while he had secretly hoped it would never come, it had. With all the complaints he had been receiving, Bill Peterson knew he needed to confront his son Harold about all of these potions he had been making. “I just hope I can convince him not to make anymore potions, Robert.” Bill said as he hung up the phone.

     “WHAT!” Came a shout from behind him. “And I was making another potion just for him.” It was Harold. “Don’t tell me your making another potion.” Bill said as he looked over Harold. “Why?” Harold asked, “Is there something wrong with that?” “Harold!” Bill said, “Stop and think for a moment.” After a short pause, Harold looked at his dad and asked “What am I to think about?”

     “What all of your potions have done.” Bill said. “Okay, let me think.” Harold said and then asked “How do you think?” “Never mind, Harold.” Bill said, “Just try and remember what your potions have done so far.” “Well,” Harold said thoughtfully, “The first one didn’t do any thing. The science lab blew up before I could finish it.”

     “Right.” Bill said, “You blew up the science lab. And don’t forget how the next one gave everybody itchy freckles.” “Oh, yeah.” Harold giggled, “That was funny. I don’t think I'd ever seen so many spots.” “And your last one almost killed your grandpa.” Bill added. “I guess that wasn’t so funny.” Harold said rather somber like. “Something must have went wrong when I mixed the formula together.”

     “What did you put in that one anyways?” Bill asked. “Sorry, Dad.” Harold grinned, “A good scientist never reveals his secrets.” “You’re not a good scientist.” Bill said. “I will be after I make this next potion.” Harold piped in excitedly. “No, Harold.” Bill said, “Every potion you have made has caused problems.” “So?” Harold said as if that was not a problem.

     “Would you please stop trying to make them?” Bill said, “The whole town is complaining about them.” “I suppose I could.” Harold said with a sigh. “Promise?” Bill asked. After a long pause, Harold finally said “I Promise. No more potions.” “Good.” Bill said, “I'll let your grandpa know and everyone else.”

     “I guess the world didn’t need my newest potion anyway.” Harold said. “What was your newest potion going to be?” Bill asked. “Oh, it was just suppose to give adults the energy of a three and four year old.” Harold said. When Bill heard that he wondered if he had stopped Harold too soon. “Um, Harold,” He said, “Maybe you could finish just this one.” “Sorry!” Harold said with a smile, “I promised and a promise is a promise. Well, I better go get rid of all my stuff before somebody finds it all.”

      Knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." - 2 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV)

     Has everything really gone on the same since the beginning of creation? Many people, especially evolutionists, believe in uniformitarianism, the idea that what is happening now is how things have always happened and always will. They purposely forget God's word and what it says and the promise that God made there in.

     For God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided. The fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, and the waters receded from the earth continually. At the end of 150 days the waters had abated, and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. And the waters continued to abate until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. … In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth had dried out. Then God said to Noah, "Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—that they may swarm on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons' wives with him. Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by families from the ark. Then Noah built an altar to the LORD and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And when the LORD smelled the pleasing aroma, the LORD said in his heart, "I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Into your hand they are delivered. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. … I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth." And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 8:1-9:17 (ESV)

     As Joshua is coming to the end of his life he says “It’s almost time for me to die. You know and fully believe that the LORD has done great things for you. You know that he has not failed to keep any of his promises. Joshua 23:14 (NCV) God keeps His promises and when you look at the promises God made after the flood you can look around yourself and see that each promise has been kept

     Knowing that God has kept His promises in the past and continues to keep them today let's us know that He will keep His promises in the future for He has promised that next time the destruction of the earth will be even greater and not by water.

     Here''s Something To Ponder

• What promises has God made to you?
• How well do you do at keeping your promises to Him?

ALMOST WENT TO HEAVEN

     Randy was excited about his sermon he had prepared for this special Sunday morning. Unable to contain his excitement, he headed to the church building early and paced up and down the aisles in the sanctuary. “When will they get here? When will they get here?” He kept muttering to himself. Finally he heard a door open and the sound of footsteps.

     “ Hello” Came a voice echoing through the church building, “Is, is is izzy, izzy, SHEW Body here?” “Bless you.” Randy said as he met up with the voice. It was Robert Grey and Randy was excited to welcome to finally see someone. “I'm glad to see you back with us.” he told him. “Not as glad as I,I, am, am, ah, ahh, ahhhh, CHOW.”

     “Are you alright Robert?” Randy asked as he reached out to shake his hand, “You keep sneezing.” “Yeah.” Robert said as he grabbed Randy's hand, “The sneezing is just a left o, ooohh, ohh SHOW, SHOW, over symptom from drinking Harold’s potion.” “Why did you ever drink that potion in the first place?” Randy asked.

     “Because Harold said it would make me live forever,” Robert said, “Or at least a long, long, long la, la, la, LABLOUIE, time.” “And instead it almost killed you.” Randy said in return with a chuckle. “Don’t remind me.” Robert said with a shake of his head, “I never want to go through that again. I thought I was going to go to heaven already.”

     “So,” Randy asked, “If Harold came out with another potion would you leave it alone?” “I wouldn’t even think twice about it, it, it ,it, ka, ka, KABOOMY, BOOMY.” Robert said with another sneeze. “Sounds to me,” Randy said, “That, that was the problem the first time.” “Huh?” Robert questioned with a dumb look on his face.

     “You failed to think twice before taking that last potion.” Randy said. “That's for certain.” Robert said in agreement, “If I had, I could avoided the hospital. It was so bad I thought I was going to dah dahh dahhhh FIGULATOR, die. Did I tell you I almost went to heaven.” “Yes>” Randy said and then asked, “Can’t you sneeze with a normal achoo?”

     “Another side affect from the potion.” Robert said. “Will you get over it?” Randy asked. “Doctors don’t know.” Robert said, “And right now I’m not that worried about it. I’m just glad to be rid of all those tummy aches. I guess we all have to live with the consequences of our actions – or die form them.”

     “You can say that again.” Randy said with a smile thinking about his sermon. “This sneezing isn’t catchy is it?” “I, I, I, Beeper bopper DOO DOO, don’t know.” “Well,” Randy said backing away from Robert, “I think you better leave just in case it, it, it, is e WHIZ E WHIZ E.” “Too late.” Robert said but I'll still leave. Good bah, bahhh, baahhhhh ROOOPY, ROOPY, bye.”

     As Robert left, Randy sat back down at his desk, put his face in his hands, cried and sneezed weird sneezes.

     And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth." - Genesis 1:28 (ESV) The command to multiply and fill the earth was not only given to Adam and Eve but to all men. But sin had entered the world and everything was going down hill as a result so starting in Genesis 6 God did something about it.

      When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the LORD said, "My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years." … The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. So the LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them." But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. … Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, "I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch. This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks. For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you. And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive with you. They shall be male and female. Of the birds according to their kinds, and of the animals according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground, according to its kind, two of every sort shall come in to you to keep them alive. Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up. It shall serve as food for you and for them." Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him. … In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. And rain fell upon the earth forty days and forty nights. … And the waters prevailed so mightily on the earth that all the high mountains under the whole heaven were covered. The waters prevailed above the mountains, covering them fifteen cubits deep. And all flesh died that moved on the earth, birds, livestock, beasts, all swarming creatures that swarm on the earth, and all mankind. Genesis 6,7 (ESV)

     Death came to the world and yet the promise of life, eternal life came as well. We find that promise in both the Old and New Testament.

• Daniel 12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. (ESV)
• John 5:28-29 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. (ESV)

     It is through Jesus that death is destroyed and life is given.

• 2 Timothy 1:10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, (ESV)
• John 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." (ESV)

     Let's add

• John 8:51Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." (ESV)
• John 11:26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (ESV)

     Here's Something To Ponder

• Are you willing to ignore what happened tot he people in the days of Noah?
• What are you willing to do to live?

LIVING ON AND ON AND ON

     Daisy was spending an afternoon volunteering at the local hospital helping out where ever they needed her. As she made her way down one of the halls pushing an overloaded cart she literally bumped into Mrs. Gray whom she couldn't see over the cart. “HMPHF” Helen growled. “I'm sorry.” Daisy said immediately.

      “I'm okay.” Helen quickly assured Daisy, “I'm growling at Harold.” “Oh.” Daisy said and started to push the cart along the way and then whirled around “Harold!” she shouted, “Mindy didn't try and kill him did she? She was pretty angry at him last week.” “No.” Helen said, “But if I catch him I might.”

      “Not you too.” Daisy said, “Don't tell me you drank Harold’s latest potion.” “I'm not that desperate.” Helen said, “At least not yet, I have plenty of years ahead of me.” “Huh, What are you talking about?” Daisy asked. “Robert went and drank another one of Harold’s potions.” “Not another one!” Daisy exclaimed, “What’s the potion for this time?”

      “He claimed it was suppose to make a person live on and on and on so they could have more time to do things.” Helen said “And Robert drank it.” “It didn't work did it?” Daisy asked, not sure how she would know. “Just the opposite.” Helen told her, “It almost killed him. That's why I'm here. Robert is in the hospital.”

      “Where in the world did Harold come up with the idea for this potion?” Daisy asked. “I guess he got the idea from watching science fiction shows on television.” Helen said. “He learned how to make people live longer from science shows?” Daisy questioned. “Actually,” Helen corrected here, “ They were science fiction shows. No one really lives forever.”

      “Well, Harold believed what he saw and tried to repeat it.” Helen said, “And then once he copied their formula, Robert decided he wanted to avoid dying and drank it all.” “And now he's in the hospital.” Daisy said shaking her head. “What was in that potion?” “Don't know.” Helen said, “In fact Harold didn’t even know. I just wish He’d stop making them.”

      “What if everybody else would stop drinking them?” Daisy asked. “Yeah, I suppose that would work too. “ Helen said with a sigh, “I know I sure learned my lesson with all those freckles.” “Don't tell me you drank that potion too?” Daisy asked in shock. But Helen never answered instead Helen said, “ I think I heard Robert yelling for me.” and took off.

     Then the LORD God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—

Genesis 3:22 (ESV)

      Somewhere in the Garden of Eden was a tree that if eaten would give life, would make it so man would live forever. Interesting enough is that man was not told he couldn't eat from this tree, even though he didn't. Starting in Genesis 4:17 through 5:32 we find that men began to multiply and fill the earth and that they lived......long.

• Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Mahalalel were 895 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years.
• Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.
• Thus all the days of Lamech were 777 years, and he died.

      When you look at the age of people today, nobody live to be that old. Something changed. Even though these ages are not forever they are long after the flood. Interestingly enough there are legends outside of the Bible that attribute long ages to people in days gone by.

     Death is a part of life, we don't live forever, the Bible tells us...

• Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death. This is why everyone must die—because everyone sinned. Romans 5:12 (NCV)
• Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. Hebrews 9:27 (TEV)
• None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue those who practice it. Ecclesiastes 8:8 (NLT)
• Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—Jesus also became flesh and blood by being born in human form. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT)
• So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

      Too often we live as if we will live forever, we fail to number our days.

Here's Something To Ponder

• Does death cause you to fear?
• God does offer a plan for life after death, are you willing to follow it?