Reading: Genesis 5:1-5, 25-32

 

This chapter records the genealogy of Adam following the family line of Seth to Noah’s three sons Shem, Ham and Japheth. This genealogy covers a period of +-2,000 years. In Genesis 2 God says to Adam and Eve: if you sin you die. They did sin and in chapter 5 we read that indeed after birth and life, death comes to everyone on earth. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, describes what seems like a pessimistic, hopeless cycle: birth gives life, but for everyone life is temporary and death is the end, which brings sorrow and crying. It seems that life is only a preparation for death. And what happens after death? But there is a ray of hope. Genesis 5:28-29 says that Lamech had a son. “And he called his name Noah, saying, ‘This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD has cursed’ ”. Father Lamech experienced the curse over life because of sin. However, by naming his son Noah (which means comforter), Lamech expresses hope that God will take away the curse. Lamech’s hope is also a prophecy that God will indeed one day bring a saviour, Jesus Christ, who takes away the curse for those who confess His name. Death is not the last event in life; through Jesus Christ it becomes the doorway to eternal life.

 

The book Revelation makes this clear. At the end of history there will be a new heaven and earth; there shall be no more death, sorrow or crying.  Believers will have access to the tree of life and receive eternal life (Revelation 21:4 and 22:14). Between these Genesis and Revelation stands Jesus Christ who, through His great sacrifice on the cross, defeated death and gives eternal life to those who believe in Him.

 

Key verse: Gen 5:24a “And Enoch walked with God”.

 

Question: The above key text means Enoch believed and lived a holy life close to God. What are the most important parts of a holy life?