Psalm 90
The note over this psalm says, “A prayer of Moses, the man of God.” Moses lived many Years before David, more than 3,000 years ago, but, these words are just as true and of help for us now.
“Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. Thou turnest, man to destruction (crumbling) and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.”
It is good for us to think of the Lord’s greatness, that He lived before there were mountains or a world. He does not change by days or years; to Him a thousand years are as a day, or as even less than a day, “as a watch in the night”. The watchmen of a city changed every few hours, so “a watch” would be only a short time.
God gave very long life to early men in the world; they could learn a great deal and could enjoy much; the first man, Adam, lived 930 years; some men after him lived even longer. But when we are told how long those men lived, there are three short words added (except of one), the words are, “and he died.”
Men later have not lived as long as the early men did; no matter how wise, or great, or rich, all have died. Do you know the reason people die? The answer given is:
“The days of our years are three-score (a “score” is 20) years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be four-score years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away.” Verse 10.
Boys and girls think it would be fine to be grown up, and some may say that you need not think of the end of life, but Moses’ words are for us all:
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts into wisdom.” Verse 12.
That means more than lessons in school; it means to set our hearts and minds to what the Lord will teach us now, and not wait to learn of Him after we are old; and do you think to learn of the Lord will make us sad and miserable all our lives? What does this verse say?
“O satisfy us early with Thy mercy (loving kindness) that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.” Verse 14.
When the Lord Jesus was on earth He did not say to wait until old to learn of Him: He said,
“Suffer (Let) the little children to come unto Me.” Luke 18:1616But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (Luke 18:16). He wants boys and girls to believe and trust Him as soon as they hear of Him. The Lord Jesus did not promise His people long life un. earth, but eternal life with Him.
ML 11/10/1940