Keys to Long Life (II):

  “No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.” (Exodus 23:26, New King James Version).

 This is the key Bible verse for the “Come and See” devotional today.

Another key that guarantees long life is similar to the one mentioned in the first part of this series of devotionals. Thus, we have learned that honouring our parents compels the Almighty God to fulfil the number of our days on earth as indicated in the fifth Commandment “ Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” Exodus 20:12 .

Speaking of the activities of the devil, Jesus said: “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10, English Standard Version). Here, Jesus Christ clearly said that He had come to give us life abundantly, and by this He meant a long life.

Most of the problems in this world are caused by the devil, starting with the deception of Eve in the Garden of Eden that led to death becoming the enemy of mankind. The devil and his desolate agents work without a break to destroy whatever is good in our lives. No wonder the Lord said: “be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:34, American Standard Version).

However, how do we ensure we are kept safe from the incessant rage of the enemy? The answer is found in Psalm 41:1-2 which states: “Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.” (New King James Version). This is another pledge of the Most High God to keep you safe from evil.

This reading suggests that whenever we consider the needs of the poor around us, then we also strategically lengthen our own lives. This remains one of the most accessible keys to an extended life because the poor will always be around us. Thus, Jesus said: “for you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always.” (Mark 14:7, New King James Version).

The trials of Job could not consume him because of his generosity. At one point during those trials he recollected: “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban. I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame. I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case that I did not know.” (Job 29:14-16, New King James Version). Finally, God gave him double for everything he had lost. This was how his later days were recorded: “Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations of his children and grandchildren.” (Job 42:16, New Living Translation).

Let us pray: “Father, I thank you for the revelation of Your Word. I receive grace to attend to the needs of others when it is in my capacity to do so,” in Jesus‘ Mighty Name, Amen.

This message was brought to you by Evangelical Ministries International (EMI). We know this message has been a blessing to you. Please share your testimonies with us by visiting our website www.evangelicalministries.org or contact us on info@evangelicalministries.org. God bless you!