Live Long!

Traditionally, Psalm 90:10 is quoted as an indicator of how long a man is to
live. It says: “The days of our years are threescore years and ten (seventy
years)-or even, if by reason of strength, fourscore years (eighty years)” (The
Amplified Bible). But reading this verse out of context can lead to
misunderstanding.

A footnote to Psalm 90 in The Amplified Bible explains: “This psalm is
credited to Moses, who is interceding with God to remove the curse which made it
necessary for every Israelite over 20 years of age (when they rebelled against
God at Kadesh-barnea) to die before reaching the Promised Land (Num. 14:26-35).
Moses says most of them are dying at 70 years of age.

“This number has often been mistaken as a set span of life for all mankind.
It was not intended to refer to anyone except those Israelites under the curse
during that particular 40 years. Seventy years never has been the average span
of life for humanity.

“When Jacob, the father of the 12 tribes, had reached 130 years (Gen. 47:9),
he complained that he had not attained to the years of his immediate ancestors.
In fact, Moses himself lived to be 120 years old, Aaron 123, Miriam several
years older, and Joshua 110.”

From this we see that the Israelites who died at 70 were living under the
curse caused by their own disobedience. According to Galatians 3:13, Jesus has
redeemed us from the curse, being made a curse for us.

If we have made Jesus our Lord, freedom from all the conditions the curse
causes belongs to us-that includes freedom from sickness, destruction and early
death. Think about what happened to Moses: When he reached the age of 80, God
gave him a mission that rejuvenated his health and strength, and he remained
strong until he died. Deuteronomy 34:7 says, “And Moses was 120 years old when
he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated.”

So don't have the mind-set that you should live to be only 70! Scripture
gives an indication that when you are 60, you are just middle-aged (see Gen.
6:3). That's not the time to start slowing down. Instead, confess and believe
Psalm 103:2-5: “Bless the Lord … who heals all your diseases, who redeems your
life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like
the eagle's” (NKJV).

Be determined to enjoy to the fullest the many productive years the Lord has
promised you. Don't quit because of numbers!

Psalm 91 is a picture of the person who receives the promise stated in verse
16: “With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”

This person loves God and stays connected to Him. He doesn't fear but trusts
the Lord to be his refuge and says so. The truth of God's Word is his shield and
buckler. He dwells or abides under the shadow of the Almighty in obedience, and
God shows him His salvation.

The word “salvation” means material and temporal deliverance from danger and
apprehension; preservation; pardon; restoration; healing; wholeness and
soundness. God will satisfy you with good things, including healing, protection
and long life when you are living and abiding in Him.

And He can give you a new assignment at any time, just as He did Moses. So if
you've noticed that you're slowing down because you're getting older, double up
on the Word. Let the Word be spirit and life to you (see John 6:63). And get
involved with what God is doing. That's the best way to live a long, strong
life.