The Span of Human Life and the Great Divine Commission
According to ancient scripture, the reality of our existence is that the length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. As we observe our time on earth, we see that seventy years is all we have—eighty years, if we are strong; yet all they bring us is trouble and sorrow; life is soon over, and we are gone.
The Nature of Our Years
Various translations emphasize that our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Indeed, they are soon gone, and we fly away. The following table summarizes the span and nature of human life as described in the provided texts:
| Source Perspective | Life Expectancy | Nature of the Best Years |
|---|---|---|
| General Observation | Seventy years or even eighty | Labor and sorrow |
| Strength/Health Condition | Fourscore years | Toil and trouble |
| Prime Years | 70 to 80 years | Trouble and misery |
Even though our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years, the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away. We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our time is up, and we disappear.
The Authority and Commission of Jesus
In contrast to the fleeting nature of life, a lasting mandate was given to the world. Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Having received this power, he issued a charge to his followers: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This commission involves a specific process of training and obedience. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. To guide this mission, the following instructions were provided:
- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
- Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.
- Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.
As this work is carried out across all nations, there is a consistent promise of divine presence. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Whether the task is near or far, the assurance remains: “I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”