Numbered – This points to the reality of our temporal life on earth. The prayer of the Psalmist (David) recorded in Psa. 39:1 reads, ‘O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!’ In similar vein, Moses prayed in Psa. 90:12, ‘So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.’ (Psalm 90:12). This prayer must be echoed by all of us, as we each one journey through our transient life on earth.
Even if we are blessed with an exceptional level of intelligence, being street-smart, etc, yet, since we are all affected by the taint of sin, none of us can escape with having our judgments blurred. Jesus says in Mark 7:21 and 22, ‘For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness.’
Question is, ‘How is our heart faring today?’ I don’t know if all treadmill tests are conducted the same way. I know of one that involves seven stages, with each stage increasing in speed. During the test (as one runs on the treadmill), watchful eyes are there to keep tab. How many stages one is able to complete depends very much on one’s physique.
This brings to mind the Bible reminding us that we are, as in were in a race. Not only are we in a race, we have watchful eyes around us. The writer to the book of Hebrews writes, ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.’ Hebrews 12:1.
We will do well to take heed to the often-heard advice – ‘Go to God for a heart surgery.’ After all, He IS the great physician. When we go to Him, it is in recognition that He is the one who can perform a miracle in our lives. Those who go to heart surgeons do so with faith and trust in them, expecting that what follows should be that of having more good years. We too must go to God with faith and trust, with a somewhat similar belief. Pro. 14:27, ‘The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.’
To fear God, among other things means to trust Him, desiring to do His will and following His commands. It includes taking heed to the warnings of Scripture on loose living, numbering our days, taking steps in obeying the voice of God through Scripture.
So then, how has your heart been faring of late? If you were to go for a ‘treadmill of life’ test today, how many stages can you complete?
Elder Richard Lai
