So with old age is wisdom, and with length of days understanding. Job 12:12
Last week we showed that attaining many years of life is a blessing. It is also a blessing to others. Even as the body slows, God would have us continue to offer ourselves in His service. And age can bring some important abilities.
An accounting of God’s faithfulness. The Bible is a record of God’s faithfulness many years ago, but we can account first hand for His continued faithfulness in our lives today and in the stories of those around us.
Encouragement. Because of our life experience with a God who has shown Himself faithful, gracious and merciful, we can encourage those who are coming behind. Those who are in the midst of difficulty and cannot see the end can be reminded of the goodness of One who does.
Exhortation. We can exhort the younger generations to stay on His path and follow God, because we have walked a similar path and know the blessings of obedience to Him.
Teach. We have accumulated knowledge, and, hopefully, wisdom through the years that the younger generations need to hear - God’s Word, perspective, priorities and balance.
Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age. Job 32:7
Pray. Continued prayer keeps our own relationship with God intimate, but we can also intercede for our families, our friends, and all whom God puts on our heart. Prayer is the most powerful discipline in bringing God’s kingdom and we can participate in it no matter our life stage. God has mightily used those who may be confined at home because prayer transcends walls and the Spirit continues to work. As we age, we may have fewer distractions for our attentions and can focus more intently on Him. God can use us in the most important work He has – intercession before His throne.
In our final stages of this life, our mere presence on this earth continues to instruct those remaining – it allows the young to practice patience, kindness, gentleness and caring. Someone who still has breath has a purpose from God. If you wonder why an aged person, no longer able to able to speak or act, is still here – maybe take a look in the mirror. It is possible God has sustained them for you to learn. Embrace the opportunity.
What is God’s purpose for the elderly? To bless. It is a blessing for the body of Christ to have older saints among us. A blessing to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A blessing to those who come from afar and need family, for those without blood family but have come to the family of God, for the hurting world who needs to see God’s long faithfulness in a chaotic world. God has us here for a purpose, no matter our season of life, and we can continue to live in humble obedience serving Him in whatever situation He has allowed.
The righteous flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him Psalm 92:12-15
