I ask myself today, have I really thought about the brevity of Jesus' life? David is talking about a short life even as James, the brother of Jesus, speaks about life being as a vapour (James 4:14). But by all standards and times, Jesus had a brief life and a short ministry here on earth.
David lived about 70 years long and he was made King over Judah when he was 30 years old (2 Samuel 5:4). David was king over Israel and Judah for about 33 years. There are many parallels between David the King and Jesus, the Son of David. Brevity of life and ministry/reign isn't one of them. Jesus lived 33 years before His death on the cross and reigns eternally. But both the second king of Judah (Israel) and Eternal King of God's Kingdom suffered. Suffering seems to go with reigning. And kingly aspirations seem to always reveal not enough time to get everything accomplished that a king would like to do for his kingdom. David planned to build a temple for God (2 Samuel 7:1-1, 1 Chronicles 28). Jesus also spoke about His plan to (re)build a temple (John 2:18-21).
Jesus was clear He must suffer and die (Matthew 16:21-2, 17:22-23, 20:17-19 & 28, 26:2; Mark 8:31–33; Luke 9:21–22).
David suffered, Jesus suffered, Paul suffered and Jesus expects His servants to suffer too (John 13:16).
I invite you to compare David’s pleas in Psalm 39 with this explanation from the writer of Hebrews concerning the necessity of suffering and the fear of death from Hebrews 2:
11 So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. 12 For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” 13 He also said, “I will put my trust in him,” that is, “I and the children God has given me.” 14 Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. 16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
MAIN POINT: Following God will always highlight the brevity and suffering of this life, when compared to eternity.
We can find comfort in knowing we will not suffer (be disciplined) forever.
David tries to be righteous but finds it difficult. vv.1-3
“You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;” Hebrews 12:4
The struggle not to sin is real. You should expect it to be very difficult.
Even though Jesus was not a sinner and did not sin, He too had to struggle not to sin, “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” Hebrews 5:8
David asks God to remind him of the brevity of life. vv.4-6
Paul tells us that we can find comfort in comparing the brevity of this struggle in this life to eternity.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18
“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,” 2 Corinthians 4:17
David recognises that hope in God is the only hope. v.7
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” 1 Peter 1:6
“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.” Titus 1:1-2
Confession of our sin and acceptance of discipline is a form of worship.
David recognises his position before God. vv.8-9
David requests mercy from God. vv.10-11
David realises his brief role in this life is appointed by God. vv.12-13
Conclusion:
You have been called to follow Jesus. Like David in Psalm 39 you’ll find that it is hard and requires an eternal perspective to be able to face the suffering and struggle against sin and the brevity of life. It is the brevity of life and this struggle that prepare us for eternity. So don’t be discouraged but hope in the Lord, even in the face of struggles.
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| Handwritten Psalm 39 |
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