Number of our Days
Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Introduction
New Year has come again. To most people specially the young one’s they are so excited because they are now considered teen agers. For teenagers who are going 16, they are so happy because they will have the chance to drive a car, and probably given more freedom by their parents. For young people, another year that is added in their life is nothing. In fact probably they even want to be considered an adult as soon as possible. But to somebody who is in his fifty’s, sixty’s, and seventy’s or above, another year means their end is becoming nearer and nearer.
I. Length of life according to Moses. Ps. 90:10
1. Three score and ten – which means seventy years old only
2. For any reason of strength, it may extend up to 80 years.
3. All their health, joys, riches and honor are spoiled by trouble and sorrow.
4. Life is soon ends, , as if driven by the wind
Moses who wrote Ps. 90 was nearing the end of his life. God has already shortened the life span of human beings (Gen. 6:3). Gone are the days when men lived up to 900 years. The first 40 years of Moses was in Egypt, the next was in the desert, and the last 40 years was spent leading the Israelites to the promise land. As it is written in Ps. 90:10, life is again shortened.
II. Shortness of life as written
1. It is compared to a vapour – James 4:14
2. Likened to a shadow – 1 Chr. 29:15
3. Only a handbreadth – Ps. 39:5
4. Swifter than a post – Job 9:25
5. Like a flying shuttle – Job 7:6
The projected life-span of a baby born in the U.S. today is about 71 years, nearly double what it was at the end of the 18th century. The longest authenticated life-span of a human being is 113 years, 214 days. Studies show married people live longer than those who remain single.
Someone said that there are seven ages of man: spills, drills, thrills, bills, ills, pills, wills.
III. The right use of time
1. Know and understanding that life is short. Ps. 90: 12
A boy once asked his mother “at what age do people die?” She told him to go to cemetery and examine the graves. His conclusion, “they die at all age”. We do not know when and where we are going to die but we can use the time wisely.
2. Serve the Lord – Josh. 24:15, Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
Only one life to live, it would soon be past, only what you did for Christ will last. The apostles, the martyrs died serving Christ. The Lord does not require you to die foe Him now, but after getting saved you must serve Christ.
A pastor in the Philippines were able to send his son to a medical school even their financial capability is very weak.
3. Live a Godly life – 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
Godliness is ‘worship or reverence of God,’ ‘reverential fear of God.’ 1Tim. 2:10. Godliness is loving what God loves and hating what He hates. I know a man who lives a Godly life and because of his testimony, he was able to bring many souls for the Lord. His son even became a famous pastor.
4. Start while you are young – Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
King Josiah started serving the Lord at a very young age. King Solomon, Daniel and his three friends started while they are young. There is no reason why you cannot start young.
5. Seek spiritual things first – Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Abraham was a rich man because he always put God first in his life. Joseph became the prime minister in Egypt not because he is smart or good looking but because he put spiritual things first. He would rather obey God or Yahweh rather than enjoy a moment of sin when she was being tempted by his master’s wife.
IV. Conclusion:
Our life here on earth is indeed very short h. We should make use of our time wisely by doing things that are pleasing to the Lord. Let’s make every moment count, and it counts for Christ.
Preached: 01 Jan. 2013
