The Elderly’s Proclamation
Scriptural Truths to Growing Old by the Grace of God
In the Spokesman Review was an article titled, Pinging Like Crazy, “Man is like an automobile. As it gets older, the differential starts slipping, and the u-joints get worn, causing the drive shaft to go bad. The transmission won't go into high gear and sometimes has difficulty getting out of low. The cylinders get worn and lose compression, making it hard to climb the slightest incline. When it is climbing, the tappets clatter and ping to the point where one wonders if the old bus will make it to the top. The carburetor gets fouled with pollutants and other matter, making it hard to get started in the morning. It is hard to keep the radiator filled because of the leaking hose. The thermostat goes out, making it difficult to reach operating temperature. The headlights grow dim, and the horn gets weaker. The memory chip drops a few bytes, and the battery needs constant recharging. But if the body looks good with no bangs, dents or chipping paint, we can keep it washed and polished, giving the impression that it can compete with the newer models and make one more trip down the promise lane before the head gasket blows.” (Pinging Like Crazy in Tulsa, in Ann Landers, Spokesman Review, December 24, 1993, p. D2)
I would propose to you, the child of God who fills their tank with fuel of God’s Word will awake in the morning, approach every task, take on any trial and smoke down the highway with vision saying, “Gentlemen start your engines of life, the race is not over.”
In the Bible we read of God using and blessing the elderly. In Luke 2:36-38 we read, “There was a prophetess, Anna …she was a widow… eighty-four [years of age]. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. The Bible says as Jesus and His parents were walking up to Anna, she proclaimed for those to hear, “…she gave thanks to God and spoke of the Child [Jesus] to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Anna is not bitter by the trials of life, but serves the Lord in the powerful ministry of prayer in the discipline of fasting, denying the flesh to have fellowship with God. Anna is the example or model of what the elderly believer could be. Her example is a great contrast to that old popular saying, “Now that I am old, I have the right to complain and be grumpy.”
Robert McQuilkin wrote, “God planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of age is spiritual. We gradually lose strength and beauty that is temporary so we will be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty that is forever.” (Daily Bread) The whole of Scripture teaches us God does not intend for us to retire from spiritual activity, His desire for us is to bear fruit for Him. We can be assured, God wouldn’t keep us on this earth if He did not have a worthwhile work for us. Yes, our positions and placements my change, but there is always to call to be joyful (James 1:2), pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and encourage others (Hebrews 10:25).
The fuel to keep the old vessel running are these proclamations:
1.) “Since my youth, O God, you have taught me and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and grey you do not forsake me, O God, I will declare your power to the next generation…” (Psalm 71:17-18) Since the beginning of our relationship with the Lord up to time of our going home, the Lord will not forsake us, we can choose to be involved in proclaiming the truth of God’s Word in some way.
2.) “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) The valley of the shadow of death is a metaphor of walking in the midst of life facing it trials and temptations which can lead us away from the Lord or even take our lives. God has promised to be with us always guiding and enabling us to walk in His will. (Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 354). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. Augustine of Hippo. (1888). Expositions on the Book of Psalms. In P. Schaff (Ed.), A. C. Coxe (Trans.), Saint Augustin: Expositions on the Book of Psalms (Vol. 8, p. 60). New York: Christian Literature Company.)
3.) “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6) God working, providing and enabling us in our past is proof He will be with us now and in the future.
4.) “Fore I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) The love of God which is offered to us through Jesus Christ can be enjoyed in facing physical dangers, through the hierarchy of superhuman powers which now and will exist. Life has its share of hardships, but God is at work in all circumstances of life to conform us into the image of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (Mounce, R. H. (1995). Romans (Vol. 27, p. 192). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.) Everything we face is our opportunity to die to self and seek the Lord’s entablements to live through us.
Our declaration to the Lord should be:
1.) “With long life will I satisfy Him and show Him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:16) Psalm 50:23 says, He who sacrifices thank offerings honors Me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” We have the blessings of God enabling us to live a long life. “My salvation” (yeshu'ah) refers to enjoy God’s help and deliverance through the trials of life and guidance for living through this life. It must be remembered this blessing comes to us as we walk in obedience to His Word in every part of our lives. (Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Ps 91:16). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.)
2.) “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming ‘The Lord is upright, He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.” (Psalm 92:14-15) A child of God who walks in the will of the Lord will produce fruit which glorifies the Lord in their old age, proclaiming a message for all who see his life which enables those in this world to see the holiness of God. The Bible says we are living letters, “known and read by everyone.” (2 Corinthians 3:2)
Our Bible exhortation:
1.) “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” (Proverbs 16:1) “The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.” (Proverbs 20:29) Gray hair is an honorable look, suggesting wisdom and experience.
2.) Deuteronomy 30:19-20 says, “Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him, for He is your life and length of days.” The Lord is the life of those who love Him. He redeemed them for life here and for eternity in heaven. Choosing life means the enjoyment of having His daily guidance, daily protection, and daily enablement.
Yes, there are people who have done wicked things and who have never accepted Christ, they have lived and are living lots of years on this earth. The said truth is, people living long lives not for the Lord, have many more years to give an accounting to. They have wasted the Lord’s patient and grace. There are people who are dead in their sin, still controlled by their sinful nature. God in His Sovereignty gives physical life, being patient so people may not perish. (Colossians 2:13; 2 Peter 3:9)
The exhortation of Deuteronomy is “Therefore choose life…” Referring to eternal life:
• Eternal life is only for those who do God’s will (Matthew 7:21)
• The righteous will receive eternal life (Matthew 25:46)
• Belief in Jesus is required for eternal life (John 3:15–16)
• Evil people will receive eternal punishment (John 5:28–29)
• Jesus came to give life (John 10:10)
• Jesus gives eternal life (John 11:25)
• Jesus is eternal life (John 14:6)
• Eternal life cannot be earned (Ephesians 2:8–9)
• Eternal life comes from God (Titus 1:2)
• Eternal life gives us hope (Titus 3:7)
(Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.)
If we who are in Christ live long or even those without Christ live long – it is God who is giving life – The question is are elderly Christians proclaiming the goodness and righteousness of God so people who live around them may see clearly the difference of knowing Jesus Christ and knowing about Jesus Christ.
