There is the story of an ancient oriental king who was disturbed by all the uncertainties of life. He summoned his wise men and commissioned them to consult among themselves and, if possible, bring him one thing that he could be sure of in any circumstance of life. Having commiserated among themselves, as wise men do so well, they at last brought the king this word, “Your majesty, there is one thing you can be certain about in all situations of life, This too will pass.

Assuming that the king accepted this as a certainty of life, he might have been tempted to apply it only to the downside events of life -- a poor economy, inclement weather, political intrigues, losses on the battlefield. Or to some of his personal problems -- a bout with gout, a jealous wife, an overly ambitious son.

All these things will pass. Good news! His wise men might have been reluctant to advise him that what he has now accepted as a certainty also applies to those things most treasured by the king -- his youth, his power, his fame, his kingdom. Even his very life will pass along with all the things of earth.

It is a sobering truth that we too -- along with all things earthy -- will pass away. One day our wealth, health, station in life, honors, comfortable home, challenging work, family pleasures will not matter. All these things too will pass -- sooner rather than later since life is measured by only a few decades.

Generals of the ancient Roman Empire upon returning home from their victories abroad were honored with a gala parade through the center of the capital. But a soothsayer was assigned to stand behind him and whisper in his ear amidst all the adulation, All earthly glory is but for the moment!

It is a self-inflicted delusion that leads so many of us into living as if we are going to be around from now on We build homes, secure property, amass fortunes, and make plans for retirement as if there were no time limits. We get excited about something like a Super Bowl game when the fact is that in a few years the game will be forgotten , and all those in the stadium will have passed into eternity. This too will pass is a sobering truth when it is talking about us.

The author of Psalm 90 was keenly aware of the brevity of life and its implication. He saw that it is only “by reason of strength” that one might be around for as long as 80 years, and even then “their boast is in labor and sorrow” and “life is soon cut off” and “we fly away.” And so “We finish our years like a sigh.”

The implication of all this is stated in verse 12: “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.” That is, when we come to see that life is frail and brief -- and we thus choose our values accordingly -- we begin to be wise.

There are other things the wise men might have told the king about life’s certainties. With a touch of humor they might have said, “O King, there are two certainties -- even in your kingdom -- death and taxes!” More seriously they could have said, “Your majesty, one thing will always be true, whatever the circumstance, “There is a God in heaven who rules in the affairs of men, and he is always in control.”

There is a story about a former prime minister of Britain and an ambitious young man that suggests that the wise men might have said to the king, “O King, life is such that at every turning point one might appropriately ask, And then what?”

The young man told the prime minister that he hoped to study law and become a successful barrister. “Good,” said the prime minister, “And then what?” The young man said might be elected to Parliament. “Great. And then what?” Then the young man, emboldened by the prime minister’s encouragement, said, “Well, sir, I might, like you, one day be prime minister.” “Ah, indeed you might, young man. And then what?

The young man, now somewhat puzzled by the questions, said he supposed he would one day comfortably retire in the country and enjoy his grandchildren. “Splendid. And then what? asked the prime minister once more. “Well,” said the young man, now a bit humbled, “I suppose I will one day die.”

“That you will, young man, that you will. And then what ?"

It is a question fit for a king.

Notes

It has been an anxious week, but I am pleased to report that as of today my wife Ouida is somewhat improved. She returned to the hospital eight days ago after being treated for atrial fribillation of the heart during her first stay, At that time she was diagnosed as having pneumonia as well,. Then last Sunday when she was too weak to eat, she was found to have kidney failure. Presently the first two diseases have dissipated or are under control, leaving the much more serious kidney problem yet unresolved. But her kidney specialist is optimistic about the prognosis, concluding just today that she will likely avoid dialysis and that her kidneys will return to normal.. We appreciate your loving and prayerful concern.

Across town at another hospital our daughter Phoebe is out of ICU, but still in the hospital, and gradually improving. I kid her about taking up permanent residence in the hospital,-- four months and counting. The rent is rather high!