stephen R Harrison

In what is most likely the oldest psalm and Moses’ only psalm, (although he may have written Psalm 91), Psalm 90 contrasts the eternal existence of a holy God with temporary life of sinful man. While Moses rightfully acknowledged God existed before creation and was the Creator of everything (v. 2), He was also a relational God Who has been a “dwelling place throughout all generations” (v. 1). God is not only the divine Creator who also “turns people back to dust” (v. 3), He is our personal Savior Who has eternal compassion (v. 13), love (v. 14), and favor (v. 17). We should be in awe of the One Who existed before creation and spoke everything into existence, but we should also be in awe of the God Who wants us to abide in Him (John 15:4-11). The introduction to Psalm 90 called Moses a “man of God”, a phrase used over 70 times in Scripture and a title given to at least twelve other men of God in the Bible including Elijah (1 Kings 17:18), David (Neh. 12:24), and Timothy (1 Tim. 6:11). Moses could be called a man of God because he dwelled with God and God dwelled with him. If we draw near to God, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).

When we do not draw near to God, we find ourselves in sin. The opposite of being a man of God is being a man of sin. Moses, the man of God, knew mankind was sinful (verse 8), God’s wrath judged man’s sin (vv. 7, 9, 11), and man’s time on earth was short (vv. 3, 5-6, 10). As a God-fearing man, Moses knew people needed to gain an eternal perspective and ask the Lord to “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (v. 12). A wise heart knows they are sinful (verse 8) and God’s holy wrath must be appeased (v. 11). They know life is short (v. 9) and ask the Lord to “relent” and “have compassion on your servants” (v. 13). Although Moses lived 120 years, he knew man only had 70-80 years on average to live on this earth (v. 10). We do not have to live in fear of death or God’s wrath as Jesus paid the price for our sins and gives us eternal life. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on Him.” Moses knew what John 3:36 conveys, a man of God who is in Christ will gain heaven and a man of sin without Christ will face the eternal wrath of a holy God.
Those with hard and unrepentant heart full of sin are storing up for themselves the wrath of God on the day of judgment (Romans 2:5).

While Moses knew this life was burdensome and short because of sin, he was confident God could satisfy by giving eternal joy and gladness (vv. 14-15). He prayed for God’s favor to compensate him eternally for what life on this earth could not provide. Although Moses could not enter the Promised Land on this earth (Numbers 20:1-13), he did enter a better eternal home in heaven (Matthew 17:1-8). Even if Moses was “afflicted” and “troubled” (v. 15) on this earth, he would be fully rewarded with “splendor” (v. 16) and “favor” (v. 17) in heaven. 1 Peter 5:10 reminds us, “And the God of all grace, Who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

Questions:

1. Are you learning that time is short and to number your days?
2. Are you repentant of your sin and resting in Jesus’ appeasement of God’s wrath?
3. Will you be known as a man of God or a man of sin?

Prayer:
Lord, I desire to be a man of God. Convict me of sin and I will repent. Show me your favor, compassion, and love. Thank You Jesus for taking God’s wrath for my sin. You are the sinless Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. Teach me to number my days and live on purpose for Your glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.