“What man is he that lives and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.”
Psalm 89:48
When we realize our time here is temporal, but in Christ our Hope is eternal, we should properly “redeem the time” (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5) by investing it in God’s Kingdom work.
“Here today; gone tomorrow.”
Someone once coined that phrase, no doubt referring to our vapory sojourn here on terra firma (James 4:13-15). And, if viewed through earthly eyes, it brings deep despair; however, when viewed through spiritual eyes, it evokes a sense of urgency, passion and intentionality.
When Ethan the Ezrahite, who was likely the son of Judah by Tamar and possibly referred to as a renown wise man by Solomon (I Chron. 2:6, 8; I Kings 4:31), penned the words to this somber song/psalm, he was claiming God’s Promises in affliction. Even a cursory reading of Ps. 89 will reveal how he focused upon the Lord’s faithfulness in the midst of trials.
And, today’s Manna reminds us of the short time we’re here on earth and how we should live our lives to the Glory of Almighty God.
Years ago someone asked, “What’s in your dash?” At first glance, the question seems meaningless without a point-of-reference. But, when you realize he was referring to the hyphen between one’s birth-date and death-date on a tombstone, the question takes on a whole new world of meaning.
Yes, “what’s in your dash?”
What did you do during your “appointed time” (Ps. 90:12) here on earth? Did you spend your days in sin and sighing or in singing? Did you “sow your wild oats and reap a harvest of heartache” (Gal. 6:6-9) or did you “come to yourself and go to the Father” in brokenhearted repentance (Lk. 15:17-19) and find Him “running to meet you with Grace and Mercy in His Hand” (vv.20-22)?
Oh, dear Pilgrim, no amount of diet and exercise can keep us from the clutches of the Death Angel when our time here on earth is through. It matters now how smart we are. . .educated we are. . .religious we are, etc.; when our time is up, no amount of praying, planning or pleading can prevent that knocking at our heart’s door.
That’s why we should always “seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness” (Mt. 6:33) after having been born again through Jesus’ Precious Blood (Rom. 5:6-11; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9). Only then can we rest assured that our lives haven’t been in vain and after we’re gone it’ll be said of us “Being dead, yet he/she still speaks” (Heb. 11:4).
Why not spend a few minutes today “chewing the cud” (Ps. 1:2) on today’s Manna? Look back over the years and reflect on God’s goodness to you; then, give thanks for His faithfulness for today and tomorrow. That way, when you “rest from your labors,” it’ll also be said of you “You’re blessed. . .and your works (legacy) do follow you” (Rev. 14:13). Amen and amen.
September 28, 2011
