Having reached my three score and ten years on planet earth, I am reminded of another “big 70” in Bible history – Daniel’s 70th week. Daniel had a divine message from the Angel Gabriel as to what would happen to Israel over a period of 70 weeks. Bible scholars nearly unanimously agree that “one week” was a length of seven years, not seven days. There was a breakdown of 7 weeks, then 62 weeks or 49 years and then 434 years.

The first “7 weeks” (49 years) saw the prophecy fulfilled. Jerusalem was rebuilt through Ezra and Nehemiah. It was another “62 weeks” (434 years) until Messiah was revealed after his baptism by John the Baptist.

The “70th week” had arrived!  After 69 weeks (7 + 62), which in my reckoning would be week 70, the Messiah was killed. Daniel 9:27: “In the middle of the week, He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.” The greatest event in history happened in the middle of week 70. Jesus died for you and me! The prophecy has been fulfilled.

John says it in John 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Hebrews 9:26 says, “But now once in the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

I’m so thankful to God that he has brought me through to the “big 70,” but even more grateful that in the middle of week 70 he paid the penalty for my sin.

Now, 70 years is just a small part of the eternal life I have.

– By Evan Necklen; Evan and Jan Necklan are foundation members of Te Puke Baptist Church.