Topical Bible: Measures: (The Measure of Our Days) the Shortness of Life

◄ Measures: (The Measure of Our Days) the Shortness of Life ►

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The concept of the brevity of human life is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, serving as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of our earthly existence. This theme encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures frequently emphasize the shortness of life, urging individuals to consider the fleeting nature of their days. In Psalm 39:4-5, the psalmist pleads, "Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." This passage highlights the limited span of human life, likening it to a mere breath or handbreadth, underscoring its ephemeral quality.

Similarly, James 4:14 reflects on the uncertainty and brevity of life: "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This imagery of life as a mist or vapor further illustrates its temporary nature, encouraging believers to focus on what truly matters.

Theological Implications

The shortness of life serves as a call to wisdom and intentional living. In Psalm 90:12, Moses prays, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom." Recognizing the limited time available, believers are urged to seek wisdom and live purposefully, making the most of every opportunity to grow in faith and serve others.

The brevity of life also points to the importance of eternal priorities. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This teaching encourages believers to focus on eternal treasures, recognizing that earthly life is temporary and that true fulfillment is found in a relationship with God.

Practical Application

Understanding the shortness of life should inspire believers to live with urgency and purpose. It calls for a re-evaluation of priorities, ensuring that one's life aligns with God's will and purpose. This perspective encourages a life marked by love, service, and devotion to God, knowing that each day is a gift and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Moreover, the awareness of life's brevity can bring comfort in times of suffering and loss. The promise of eternal life with God offers hope and assurance that, while earthly life is short, believers have the promise of an everlasting future with Him.

In conclusion, the measure of our days, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful reminder of life's brevity and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. By embracing this truth, believers are encouraged to live wisely, prioritize spiritual growth, and invest in what truly matters, both in this life and the life to come.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 39:4
LORD, make me to know my end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life of Mr. Hugh Binning.
... furnished his mind with an uncommon measure of the ... king and his ministers, against
the measures that were ... of the most concerning foundations of our faith are ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/the life of mr hugh.htm

Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... and firkins, urns and amphor??, are not measures of time ... aid our faith, how much more
should our faith be ... as those concerning the words, "In what measure ye mete ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cii a d 409.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... not be judged," and again, "With what measure ye mete ... Let us bestow our lamentations
upon that which is ... whole life stayed more than thirty days at Alexandria ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

John Chapter ii. 11-Jan
... For by "metret??" he means certain measures, as if he ... For metron is the Greek word
for measure, whence the ... more agreeably, let us, so far as our time permits ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate ix john chapter ii.htm

Book ii.
... a fleshly mind, and not to recognize the measure of the ... 1592] let it enlighten the
eyes of our heart ... He brings forth three measures of fine meal, and slays one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

Acts i. 1, 2
... the while enjoying in more plentiful measure the grace ... the same way as before, but
taking effectual measures to secure ... In our case both take place under one act ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily i acts i 1.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... that, and then hope is in some measure in good ... at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
all shortness in duties ... a great deal of this in our days; our days indeed have ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... Empire, and the constitution seems to have been merely a fiscal measure which laid ...
not originated in our times, but long before, in the days of our ancestors ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... priest, doth always works of service for us, because in our most spiritual ... aside
from any thing that he commanded him, all the days of his life, save only ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... coal they mount up fluttering.'[2] In a few days the labour of ... mount' (Exodus
25:40; Hebrews 8:5). Nor doth our apostle but take the same measures, when he ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm