Abraham: The Golden Years
Genesis 25
The Lord called Abraham, at the age of 75, to leave his family’s country in Haran. One hundred years later, he died. When I first wrote or thought about this statement. It came to me. Abraham waited 100 years to receive God’s promised son, Isaac. His journey with God started at 75 and ended 100 years later. This may not be a major prophetic thought. But it is interesting, especially when we discuss Abraham’s golden years. Abraham’s life had many crazy ups and downs. God spoke to him in many ways: dreams, visions, an audible voice from Heaven, and revealed Himself in human form. He saved his family from the terrible judgment of Sodom. The Lord delivered him from great kings: Pharaoh, Abimelech, and Chedorlaomer’s army of 4 kings (Genesis 14). He also gave Abraham a child when he was 100. The Lord was with his family in the good times and helped them to overcome the bad times.
Yet in his older golden years, his life slowed down. He found a home in Beersheba, was able to spend more time with his family, and watched his grandkids growup. Even though the Bible doesn’t mention Abraham meeting his grandkids, I believe he knew Jacob and Esau. Isaac was 60 when the twins were born (Genesis 25:26). Abraham was 100 when Isaac was born and 160 when Jacob and Esau were born. He also lived to be 175 (Genesis 21:5, 25:7). God gave him 15 glorious years to watch them grow up.
And then there was Ishmael, who had 12 kids and came back to help Isaac bury and honor his dad (Genesis 25:9, 12-18). Had God restored their relationship and allowed him to see his grandchildren? It would have made for a great ending to the epic novel of Abraham’s life.
But his story didn’t end here.
Notice the beginning words of Genesis 25:
Abraham again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. 2And she bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4And the sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah (Genesis 25:1-4 NKJV).
This may have been one of his greatest blessings, a reward from the God of Heaven. Abraham thought it was impossible to have a child at the age of 100. It was painful having to endure a long spell with no children. Sarah laughed when Isaac was born. Even Abraham questioned if a man his age could have children (Genesis 17:17).
Yet, more than 30 years later, I can see Abraham’s laugh growing stronger as each child came into the world. His children and new family were a great comfort to him, which helped to heal the scars and pain of his broken life.
Yes, God showed Himself mighty in Abraham’s “golden years.” He put the swagger back into his step. A final exclamation point, leaving no doubt that He was the Almighty.
The Lord, as he promised, made Abraham the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4). He wasn’t only the father of Isaac and Ishmael. He also had the 6 sons of Keturah who bore other sons. The Lord exceeded Abraham’s wildest dreams, making his life complete and worth all he had endured.
Of course, he had no idea that Jacob would have 12 kids and the Lord would change his name to Israel. He also couldn’t foresee how Midian and Sheba would have significant roles in the story of the Bible. Moses married a Midianite woman (Exodus 2:16-22). Then there is the Queen of Sheba, the great Queen who marveled at Solomon’s wisdom and vast Empire (2 Chronicles 9).
There is one other descendant of Abraham I need to mention. Matthew 1:1 declares Jesus Christ as the Son of David and the Son of Abraham. Christ was also a son of Abraham. It is amazing how the story of the entire Bible points to Christ, the One who offers salvation to the world (John 3:16).
I hope you have enjoyed this journey through the life of Abraham. I sure have. His life is inspirational.
Thank you for going with me. Next week, I will start another series about the life and friends of Daniel. Until then, have a great week. God bless you and your family.
Your friend, the Christian Writer