“Greetings, Methushael, and how are you and yours this fine summer’s morning?”
The sun shone brightly and gave an air of triumph to the beckoning day. The two old friends had stopped at the city gate, each to pay respect to the local elders. It had been some time since their last meeting, and over the din of the nearby bustling market with hawkers and traders, the two continued their conversation:
“My spirit is well, Orbad, and yours?”
“I shall make no complaints today, for my sweet wife is in a fine temper; surely you know that our oldest daughter Zillah is uniting with Arphax’s son Accad in marriage in one week’s time.” Orbad’s broad smile matched his joyous news.
“I had heard, and a hearty congratulations to you, brother! Can it be that your precocious little daughter has grown so quickly? I can hardly comprehend the passing of these years! Yes, but she is a beauty, and all praise to the gods, Accad will surely make her a fine husband.”
“You are too kind, old friend, and while all our household is delighted and much in favor of this union, I must admit that privately, even with the bride price, the cost of all this pageantry is taking me down to my last unit.”
“Ah, yes,” Methushael countered, “But when you hear the tromping of the tiny feet of your grandchildren in your home, you will sigh that your poverty has been worth it.”
“I don’t doubt it, sir, and alas, you do speak as the expert in these matters. How is your growing brood?”
“We are all well, to be sure, and truly expanding, for next month my daughter-in-law Obal will be presenting our sixth grandchild.” Methushael boasted.
“Then you are to be envied again and again, dear friend.” Orbad said. “Please wish such good fortune on my household in days to come.”
“Oh, I will. I surely will. But, you must grant me leave, now friend. I have to travel to Eber for trade today, and you know the route to the trading center has lately been obstructed by that monstrous project of that man…what was his name? The fool, you know, don’t you?”
“He goes by the name Noah, as I remember. And he is creating quite an eyesore with this fantasy project of his. He says the world is coming to an end.”
“Hah! Truly a fool. How could the world be ending? There is too much business to attend to! Moreover, you have a wedding to celebrate, and I…I have my lovely grandchildren to tend to.”
For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37-39 (ESV)
On Wednesday, February 4: Matthew 25
Entrusted with the Gospel 