Body
LIFE IS BRIEF. Here it is the end of June and wheat harvest again though it seems like they just finished last year's. It must be an age thing, but life certainly is passing by quickly. This is nothing new, though, seeing we find several "brevity of life" comments in the Bible. The oldest one was spoken over 4,000 years ago by Job, who said, "My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle" (7:6). Some 500+ years later, Moses spoke of time in relation to God's eternality, when he said, "For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night" (Psalm 90:4). However, in contrast, Moses pointed out our finiteness, saying, "The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away" (90:10). Not exactly the most uplifting, but it does serve as a reality check. It was Jesus' halfbrother, James, who asked, "For what is your life?" (in other words, to what can life be compared) to which he answered, "It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14). Indeed, every funeral reminds us of life's brevity. Thankfully, for those of us whose hearts the Lord has touched and transformed for His glory, we understand that life is brief, but we also know an eternity with God awaits. He therefore exhorts us to make the most of this life. Moses requested of God, "So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). And Solomon exhorted, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going" (Ecc. 9:10). One of my favorite quotes is by an old, Scottish preacher, Horatius Bonar, who said, "Tis not for man to trifle, life is brief, And sin is here." Lord, help us to live each of our brief days for your eternal glory!