Sin’s Shadow
Opening Prayer
Loving God, I’m glad to be with You now and to listen as You speak to me through Your Word.
Read PSALM 90:1-17
[1] Psalms 90–106 A prayer of Moses the man of God. Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. [2] Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. [3] You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.” [4] For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. [5] You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning- [6] though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. [7] We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. [8] You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. [9] All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. [10] The length of our days is seventy years- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. [11] Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. [12] Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. [13] Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. [14] Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. [15] Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. [16] May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. [17] May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What seems to be Moses’ main concern here?This psalm directs a piercing spotlight on the human problem. We long for eternity, and we yearn for joy, but we experience a fleeting life of trouble and sorrow, and then death (3-6,9,10). As we contemplate the passing of time and the transience of life (3-6), do we come to the same conclusion as Moses (7-11)?
Each day in the desert, each death of those who had lived in Egypt (5-10) reminded Moses of God’s judgment on his people for their refusal to obey (7-10; Deut. 1:26-37). Sin is the barrier between humans and God, and it casts a long shadow on our lives.
In Western culture it is politically incorrect, even unloving, to mention God’s wrath and judgment. Yet, if we don’t understand our sorry state before God and realize that he is justified in condemning us, as Moses obviously did (7-10), then we will not appreciate how remarkable, how incredibly liberating, his undeserved love and mercy is.
Moses wastes no time looking for human solutions to human problems. He knows that God alone holds the key (12-17).
Apply
What lies ahead for you in 2012? What do you want God to do? Make Moses’ prayer (vs. 12-17 ) your own.
Closing prayer
Merciful God, as I enter this new year, may I do so with a clean heart and a spirit that’s growing in wisdom.
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