(Psa 39:5) Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You . . .
If you missed my birthday this past week don’t worry about it. I was reading this psalm of David and it says my age is as nothing before the Lord. Cheryl asked me if I wanted a party or how we should celebrate. I told her let’s keep it simple this year and just concentrate on the Lord and what life is all about.
What is life all about? It’s about being born again. Remember the story of Nicodemus? (John 3:1-7) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' Nicodemus had it all mixed up. He thought in terms of being born of a woman instead of being born of God.
Remember what Peter said? (1 Pet 1:23-25) having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the LORD endures forever." Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. Peter emphasizes the fact that physical life is so short but if you’re born again you will live forever!
Let’s hear James on the subject: (James 4:14-15) whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." How about Moses? (Psa 90:10) 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. (Psa 90:12) So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. That’s why someone has written: “Only one life, will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last!”
I was driving by the hospital where I was born this past week, but it really made me think about when I was born again. It’s great to celebrate birthdays. But how much greater to celebrate being born again! Born once . . . die twice. Born twice . . . die once. (John 6:58) . . . He who eats this bread will live forever." Happy birthday to you!!
Louie