Israeli scientists have isolated a specific gene called "sirtuin 6", which when administered in larger does, prolongs the life of insects and laboratory mice. The greater prevalence of this gene would indicate a capacity to prolong the longevity of animal existence.
Yet before rushing to test the enhancement of this genetic material in human beings, the scientists ought to consult the Torah, in which a number of prominent individuals graced by God maintained their health, youth, and vigor in spite of their advanced age:
Consider Father Abraham, who fathered a child with his elderly wife Sarah, though his body was dead physically due to age. After Sarah's death, he married again and fathered many more children before dying at the age of 175 years.
There is also the noble and diligent Sarah, a woman who at 65 and later 90 years old commanded the attention of two heathen kings, both of whom tried to obtain the lawful wife of Abraham for their harems, at great harm to themselves and their household, no less. Of course, despite the fact that "the way of women" had long passed Sarah, this gracious woman gave birth to Isaac, the child of Promise.
Moses died at 120 years, yet according to the Torah:
"And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated." (Deuteronomy 34:7)
Caleb also, one of the two spies who returned a good report after spying out the Promised Land, enjoyed considerable health and well-being in spite of his age:
"And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old." (Joshua 14:10)
What was this man's secret? Look back in the Book of Numbers, when Caleb exhorted the faint-hearted Israelites to trust in the Lord and take the Promised Land:
"Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not." (Numbers 14:9)
Like Sarah, Abraham, and Moses, Caleb trusted that the Lord was with him, just as He prospered isolated and abandoned Joseph to thrive, prosper, and rule in Egypt. Rather than running in fear and dread from the challenges in his life, Caleb called the giants "bread", meaning that they would nourish rather than hinder him. He had a confident faith in the Lord, and he view every challenge as meat instead of threat.
Even the prophet Isaiah provides the sure remedy for regaining and remaining young:
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
In this passage, "wait" translates the word " קָוָה qavah", which implies waiting with expectation, with a confident expectation of good from the Lord.
It is not just believing that God exists, but believe that He knows you, that He cares for you, and that He will move in your life. His grace accessed by faith working in our lives engages us to rise above challenges, accomplish beyond are obvious physical capacities, and renew our youth!
We do not need to seek out approximate remedies in science and medicine. By diligently studying and meditating on the Word of the Lord, every believer can enjoy lasting health and restored wholeness in every part of his being!
No comments:
Post a Comment