An Ancient Graveyard

There’s something sobering and deeply reflective about walking through a cemetery. Every headstone tells a story—of life lived, choices made, and time that could not be reclaimed. Solomon, the wise king of Israel, reminds us in Ecclesiastes 7:1–2 that the house of mourning holds more wisdom than the house of feasting. Why? Because it forces us to face what so many try to avoid: the reality of death. Genesis 5 reads like an ancient graveyard—a genealogy where every name ends the same way: “and he died.” But within that list is more than just death; there’s wisdom about how to live and what to look forward to.

A Lesson about Learning
Genesis 5:1–5 opens with Adam and sets a pattern. Repeatedly the chapter says, “and he died.” You’ll find that phrase in verses 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 27, and 31. Death became the norm after sin entered the world (Genesis 2:17; 3:17–19). Romans 5:12 reminds us that death spread to all because all sinned. These men lived long lives, but no one lived forever—not even Methuselah. Hebrews 9:27 tells us plainly: it is appointed for men to die once, and after this the judgment.

Job declared that man's days are determined by God (Job 14:1–5), and David prayed in Psalm 39:4, “Lord, make me to know my end.” From the moment we are born, the clock begins to tick. The question is not if we will die, but when. That’s why Amos 4:12 pleads with us: “Prepare to meet your God.”

A Lesson about Living
Although Genesis 5 records long lifespans, the first actual death recorded in scripture was not an old man—but a young man, Abel (Genesis 4:8). This teaches us that death does not discriminate by age. Life is uncertain. As Peter said, we are like grass that withers (1 Peter 1:24). James warns us not to boast about tomorrow because life is “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14).

Job compared life to a weaver’s shuttle—passing swiftly (Job 7:6)—and David cried that every man at his best state is but vapor (Psalm 39:5). We would do well to learn from the rich fool in Luke 12, who made plans for a future he never saw. Only the fool lives without considering the end (Proverbs 27:1).

A Lesson about Looking
Amid all the tombstones in Genesis 5, there is a bright light—Enoch (Genesis 5:21–24). It says he “walked with God” and was taken by God. He did not die. Why? Because he lived by faith (Hebrews 11:5). Enoch reminds us that even in a dying world, we can walk closely with the Lord.

And his story points forward. Paul wrote that at Christ’s return, not everyone will die. Some will be changed in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:51–52). The faithful who are alive will meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Whether we face death or the return of Jesus, the lesson is the same: be ready.

Conclusion
An ancient graveyard teaches us that death is certain, life is fleeting, and faith is everything. Like Enoch, we must walk with God now so that we may live with Him then. May our hearts echo Revelation 22:20: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Sermon Outline:

Introduction:

There is much to learn by visiting a cemetery. The wise man Solomon said, “A good name is better than precious ointment. And the day of death than the day of one’s birth; Better to go to the house of mourning Than to go to the house of feasting. For that is the end of all men; And the living will take it to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1-2) Several lessons can be learned about living and dying.

Text: Genesis 5:1-5

Body:

I. A Lesson about Learning

· Note the last three words, “and he died.” That phrase is used eight times in this chapter in Verses 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 27, and 31.

· The Bible informs us that when sin entered the world, death entered it also. (Genesis 2:17, Genesis 3:17-19, Romans 5:12-14)

· Even though the men mentioned in this chapter lived a long life, death still came. (Hebrews 9:27)

· Jehovah God has determined man’s days. (Job 14:1-5, Psalm 39:4)

· From the moment we enter this world, a countdown to our leaving it begins. We must make preparations for it. (Amos 4:12)

II. A Lesson about Living

· Note that the first person to die was a young man, Abel. (Genesis 4:8) This teaches us that life is very uncertain. (I Peter 1:24, James 4:13-16)

· Life passes by quickly. (Job 7:6, Job 9:25, Psalm 39:5, Psalm 89:47)

· We need to learn from the rich fool. (Luke 12:16-20)

· Only the foolish live without thinking about the end of their lives. (Proverbs 27:1) 

III. A Lesson about Looking 

· There is a bright, shining star in this chapter. (Genesis 5:21-24) Enoch walked with God; he walked by faith. (Hebrews 11:4-6)

· Enoch did not taste death. So it will be with the faithful who are alive when Christ returns. (I Corinthians 15:51-52, I Thessalonians 4:13-18)

· So each of us needs to be prepared for the arrival of our death or the arrival of our Lord.

Conclusion:

Let us be able to say like Revelation 22:20, “Even so, Come Lord Jesus!” 

Bobby Stafford,

April 6, 2014