The Depth of a Life

Jacob said to Pharoah, "My pilgrimage has lasted 130 years. My years have been few and hard, and they have not surpassed the years of my fathers during their pilgrimages." - Genesis 47:9

Today if a person lives beyond 100 years we honor them on a morning talk show or perhaps in some form of national media. In my lifetime, I can only remember one personal meeting with an octogenarian. She was present for my first sermon. Yes, she was a brave woman and no, I did not hurry her demise!

When Jacob went down to Egypt to escape the famine (and reunite with his son, Joseph), the pharaoh at the time wished to meet him in person. When they met, the Egyptian leader marveled at Jacob's advanced years. Remarkably, Jacob considered his life a short one. We may only guess at the reason, but perhaps it was because a portion of it had not been lived for God's glory.

It isn't the length of a life that makes it great, but rather the depth. The deeper we go with Christ, the greater the journey.

Difficulties tend to call out great qualities. - Daily Bread