Through
scientific progress we are able to neutralize viruses that used to carry death
warrants in their teeth. Medical knowledge has knocked out great levelers like
smallpox and diphtheria. Numerous branches of understanding have matured passed
the wisdom of the fallen, wild Nature that would devour us. Stronger
architecture protects against the earthquake; we have better boats for squalls,
hot showers for chills, etc. But modernity wields a double-edged sword. The car
might get you to the hospital on time; but a car crash could certainly kill you
before you get there. Despite the untold number of good and bad effects that
emerge from applied science, the following ancient Scripture verse is still
fulfilled, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten” (Psalm 90.10.)
Take
history from the Psalmist’s time (about 1400 B. C.) until now. Civilizations
have had their several fluctuating life spans. But because of wars, famines,
discoveries, and laws, it is not hard to believe that 70 years for an average
life span rings true. Life spans in nations around the world today fall not too
far above or below 70 years. It seems safe to assert that the statement in this
verse is more than a comment on a historical period, but a prophecy also. Some
persons live more than 70 years, while others die young. But that’s exactly how
we come to an average. In Adam Clarke’s (1762-1832) commentary on Job 14.5, he
mentions “a Thomas Parr, who died in 1635, aged 152; and a Henry Jenkins, who
died in 1670, aged 169.” But such life spans are rare since the time of Moses,
the man behind the voice in Psalm 90.
The
women of our article fall on either side of the average, more or less by the
same amount. Ages 95 and 49 yield an average of 72, as if to remind us of how
many years the Lord has granted. But the numbers 95 and 49 are far enough from
70 to remind us how foolish it would be to bank on 70. God arrives at the
number 70 by averaging out the lesser and larger life spans. A 67 year old
might get 30 years more; a 20 year old might not see the light of 21! Such is
the uncertainty we have to live with!
How many years do you have left? If you’re over 70 you’re on borrowed time; if you’re
under 70 you have no guarantee. Is it wise to live one day more without finding
out what you must do to be saved from the penalty of your sins? Being born into
this world places you on the edge of eternity. You might be on your way to an
everlasting realm of misery because of your sinful state and the sins you’re
guilty of, or to joy and peace forevermore on account of what Jesus has done
for sinners. What makes the difference between these two possible destinies is
whether you have or have not placed your faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth who
died in Jerusalem
