A Lifetime Later

I remember the average lifespan being about 70 years. The life expectancy in the USA is nearly 79 years old according to the US Census Bureau. I know quite a few people who are pushing the boundaries on that one. It also gives me pause to think about the balance of life here on earth that remains for me. As I meander through this life from day to day, I want to make sure my accomplishments end up making others lives better is some way.

The people of Israel were taken captive and moved away from their homeland right at 70 years. They were given the freedom to go back home from Cyrus the King of Persia. I imagine the homecoming was pretty emotional for some, but for others, they had only heard their parents and grandparents speak of this place. Check this out…

68 When they arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings towards the rebuilding of the house of God on its site. 69 According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments.

70 The priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns. (Ezra 2:68-70 NIV)

I imagine them to be so very grateful to be back in their homeland, that they decided to give of their resources to rebuild the house of God as well as their lives. Throughout the history of the people of Israel, the temple served as a centerpiece of their lives. It’s like they said, “First things first” when they arrived back. I can only imagine the emotion that they felt to be returning home after nearly a lifetime in captivity.

This short passage made me think about my own life. I’ve not had a lifetime yet, but if I knew then what I know now, I’d have done a few things different. I don’t get to go back and rewrite the history of my life. I can finish strong though. I’m not the President or King of an empire, but I can make my simple life count for the Kingdom of God. I can love others. I can give of myself. I can use all that I have to honor God. I don’t have the equivalent of a lifetime left, but I can make what time I do have count for the Lord.

Pressing On!

Dwayne