Submitted by Pastor Brad Dush, Fairfax Methodist Church

Psalm 90 is the only Psalm written by Moses, the greatest prophet and most prolific leader of God’s people in the Old Testament. It reminds us how BIG God is, was, and will always be. Psalm 90:1-2 states, “Lord, through all the generations, you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.” The “Lord” has been with His people through “all the generations,” predating the earth’s formation. I think it is essential in the case of Psalm 90 for us to consider the audience it is written to: the people of God, His chosen people, and the Israelite nation. The offspring of those who experienced freedom from Egypt by the very hand of God! The promises in the text are for God’s children. Who are God’s children? Some would say all humanity, which is not the case.

Romans 8:15-17 states: “So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.”

Nowhere in the Bible is it assumed all humans are children of God; we are children of God through adoption. Those of us who grew up memorizing the KJV know the phrase “joint heirs with Jesus” from Romans 8. We are not heirs or children of God through our birthright, only our “born again” right. We must be in a relationship with God.

Our relationship with God is secure in nothing or no one else than Jesus Christ. When we read Psalm 90 with this truth in mind, it takes on a new or renewed life. Like in any worthwhile relationship, we are responsible for working on it. As one year ends and the next begins, let’s move toward deepening our relationship with God in Christ Jesus. If you are unsure if you are in such a relationship with Jesus, reach out to me or one of the other pastors around the area. Reach out to a friend you know who knows Jesus. You must let God adopt you! It is a matter of life and death, not just in the end but also right now. If you know Jesus, tell someone how good God has been to you! We all have a story to share: your story; tell someone about Jesus this upcoming year!