I’ve had “birthdays” on the brain lately. It started this weekend with some of the boys getting together to celebrate the creation of Charles Kim (whose actual birthday is tomorrow – 1/26). He turns thirty-five, also known as the second half of life. Assuming we live to the fairly ripe age of seventy, thirty-five puts us closer to heaven than to the day of our birth. So much for celebrating our birth…
In Psalm 90:10-11, Moses prays:
As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
Or if due to strength, eighty years,
Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow;
For soon it is gone and we fly away.
Who understands the power of Thine anger,
And Thy fury, according to the fear that is due Thee?
So teach us to number our days
That we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom.
The context is set in divine judgment upon the obstinate nation of Israel wandering through the wilderness. Moses prays that we might remember our mortality in light of the fear of God, so that we might present him a heart of wisdom. The Hebrew word for wisdom conveys a sense of skill and expertise in living before the watchful eyes of God. It is often in contrast to foolishness and waste. A heart of wisdom is a skillful life, used in service to the Lord.
But wisdom is acquired by numbering our days. Realizing our time is limited quickens us to make skillful use of time. Ephesians 5:15-16 says “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” Don’t put off till tomorrow, the wise decisions for God’s glory today. Is there a good Christian book you wanted to read? Open it up today. Are you planning to read through the Bible this year? Read a chapter today. Need to get your heart right with God? Pray right now. Present a heart of wisdom to God by doing something right now. Don’t wait for the years to erode your righteous desire to walk wisely with Him.
Here’s a few other birthdays or “nearing-heaven-days” in January and February:
Marcus Noblisse (1/10)
Daniel Park (1/15)
Charles Kim (1/26)
Yoo Mi Loo (1/29)
Brian Loo (2/1)
Brian Horio (2/05)
Jason Park (2/12)
Teresa Chiu (2/15)
Gary Takahashi (2/27)