Genesis 25: 7-8 (Amplified)  

The days of Abraham’s life were a hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and he died at a good old age, an old man who was satisfied (with life); and he was gathered to his people (who had preceded him in death).

Abraham was a man who lived his life to the fullest. He had the most beautiful wife, who faithfully followed him everywhere he went. She bore him Isaac when both of them were very old. Sarah was ninety years old while Abraham was hundred years old. Sarah died at the age of one hundred and twenty-seven years. Abraham had buried her and mourned for her for several days. Soon after Isaac’s wedding to Rebekah, Abraham took another wife named Keturah, who bore him six more sons. Altogether Abraham was the father of eight sons: Ishmael, Isaac, Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah.

Now that is a blessed man. He not only was healthy but also fruitful. He was a wealthy man with herds of cattle, male and female servants. He was a well-respected man in all the regions he traveled. When Sarah died, Abraham, a man of integrity, pleaded with the Hittites to sell him a piece of land to bury his wife. Even when they offered their choicest tombs for free, Abraham refused to take it. Such was the heart of this righteous man.

The Bible never records of his ever being dissatisfied or striving for anything. He only had one desire: a son who would be his heir. God honored the man’s desire after several trials. Through it all, Abraham never questioned or doubted God. He followed God, sought His presence and talked to Him. Such was his devotion to a God who his ancestors didn’t know.

As he was drawing close to the last years of his life, he made a very important move. He was wise enough to pass on his inheritance to his son Isaac, the son of promise. With his foresight, he gave gifts to the sons of his concubines and sent them away (Genesis 25: 6). If they stayed near to Isaac, he knew they would contend with Isaac for inheritance. The Bible doesn’t record of Abraham giving any kind of inheritance to Ishmael. No wonder Ishmael and his descendants were hostile towards his brothers (Genesis 25: 18).

Here was a man, who followed God wherever He called him, and trusted Him with everything he had. That is why, his complete devotion to Lord Almighty is credited to him as righteousness. Here was a man, wise in all his dealings. No one around him ever suffered any loss, rather were blessed. He dealt fairly with everyone. Here was a man, who was thoroughly satisfied with his life. His journey on this earth was complete and satisfied.

Abraham died a contented man – contented in every way. Are we content with our lives? Are we still striving? Are we trusting God for everything like Abraham? Is God our inheritance or the worldly riches and pleasures? Are we seeking God as thirsty deer seek water? Is our utmost devotion to Him or this world and its cares? Will someone declare that we were contented after we are gone? What will our testimony be?

Dear Saint, cast your burdens on the Lord and He will give you rest. Let us make God our true inheritance for He alone can satisfy us in all aspects of our lives. Let our highest devotion and loyalty be only for Him. Let us lead contented lives instead of greedy lives. In exhortation, Proverbs 21: 21 says He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Furthermore, 1 Timothy 6: 6-7 declares “But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God]. For we have brought nothing into the world, so [it is clear that] we cannot take anything out of it, either.