The Death of Abraham (Genesis 25:7-11)

More than half of the people in the world currently look to Abraham as one of the major founders of their religion. Muslims, Jews, and Christians all consider Abraham to be God’s chosen person through whom the world would be blessed. He is admired by many, and worshipped by some. Yet, even Abraham, like every other founder of every world religion, eventually came face to face with death. Let’s read about that in today’s passage.

Please read Genesis 25:7-11.

If ever it could be said of anyone, it could certainly be said of Abraham that he died well. Abraham lived a long and fruitful life, filled with material success of every kind: he attained all sorts of livestock, male and female servants, and was Promised an incredible portion of land. What’s more, he had relational success: kings respected him, nearby nations made peace treaties with him, he had a wife who loved him and a son who would continue his legacy. But, ultimately of greatest importance: he had spiritual success—Abraham was faithful to the God who had chosen him and promised him land and children beyond what he possibly could have imagined.

Abraham was successful in every way. BUT, he died. Like all men who ever lived, Abraham died. Like most men, Abraham could only hope that his son would continue his legacy because Abraham himself was going to the grave. Scripture hints that Isaac will indeed continue Abraham’s legacy because “After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac his son.” Through Isaac the Messiah would come. Isaac would bear Jacob, who would bear Joseph and his brothers, who would eventually become the patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. Out of Israel would eventually be born Jesus, who is the Christ.

Jesus is the only man to have ever died, and then rose again for all of eternity. Every other man who ever lived has died. Granted, some were resurrected, but they too eventually died again. Jesus has conquered this greatest of all enemies. Jesus has defeated death.

Every other prophet succumbed to death: Moses died; Abraham died; Isaiah died. Every false prophet who started false religions succumbed to death: Mohammed died; Confucius died; Buddha died. But Jesus lives!

Only in Jesus can we truly find life. The death of Abraham reminds us that even the greatest of men will all die. But those who have faith in God through Jesus Christ can have eternal life. It is this blessed hope in which we trust. It is this blessed hope which ultimately saves us from death.