Tuesday 14 May, 2019

25 When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he became the father of Lamech. 26 After he became the father of Lamech, Methuselah lived 782 years and had other sons and daughters. 27 Altogether, Methuselah lived a total of 969 years, and then he died. 28 When Lamech had lived 182 years, he had a son. 29 He named him Noah[a] and said, “He will comfort us in the labor and painful toil of our hands caused by the ground the Lord has cursed.” 30 After Noah was born, Lamech lived 595 years and had other sons and daughters. 31 Altogether, Lamech lived a total of 777 years, and then he died. 32 After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth.

Have you ever wondered about your family genealogy? Wondered what your distant relatives were like? Wondered how they lived and what life might have been like for them?

Well this passage is an old genealogy where we get a glimpse of life for Lamech. We hear his prayer and the naming of his son Noah.  Lamech chose this name as “Noah” sounded like the word for relief or comfort. Lamech had plans for Noah: he needed a son to help with their hard work of farming.

However, while Lamech had a purpose in having a son, God’s plans and purposes for Noah were much broader. In the coming passages, we see that God had a bigger purpose for “relief” (salvation?) through Noah’s life.

As I read this passage, I am reminded that God’s plans and purposes for my life go way beyond what I see or imagine and that my life plays a part in God’s great story. I am reminded that I am created on purpose which goes way beyond my plan, my parents plan, and even the enemy’s plan. God’s plan for me is beyond the here and now, and beyond what I can see.

I wonder how many of my prayers are small and limited to my immediate situation?

Father, help me to live beyond the realm of here and now, beyond my situation and to trust Your plans and purposes instead. May I not try to make You fit into my life, but remember that I play a part in Your plans and purposes.

Written by Gab Martin