A. INTRODUCTION
1. For some life’s calling is completed in youth or middle age.
2. For others life’s calling is never completed, so they work faithfully till death.
3. Others don’t finish life’s calling and they quit (neutral) or they turn back (rebel).
4. A few complete their life’s calling, then instead of remaining faithful they turn back.
5. Summary:
a. Turn to another task.
b. Turn to the future.
c. Return to original commandments.
d. Turn away.
e. Reject.
B. WHY SOME FINISH EARLY
1. The task (or problem) was done or solved and nothing else was needed.
2. Their unique gift was no longer needed.
3. Those who needed ministry grew older, and the next generation needed another type of ministry.
4. The times or culture changed, and the unique solution was no longer needed.
5. In youth and maturity, a leader has emotional drive and physical strength, but when he grows older his energy dissipates and he no longer has the drive to lead.
6. As a leader’s family gets older, their needs change and a leader must give his attention to them, which takes away from his original commitment to the work of God.
7. With time and age, a leader’s strength or contributions in life change, so he must adjust his leadership style focus.
C. THOSE WHO TURN TO ANOTHER TASK
1. Abraham. He was called to “father” the nation of Israel, but when Sarah died, “Abraham married another wife whose name was Keturah. She gave birth” (Gen. 25:1-2, NLT).
2. His second task not important, “Abraham died . . . at a ripe old age . . . His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him” (Gen. 25:7-9). No mention of second family.
3. Jeremiah’s main task was predicting the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon. Later he was taken to Egypt and died there. Lesson: Remain faithful in productive years, yet you may accomplish other tasks after the productive years are over.
D. THOSE WHO TURN TO THE FUTURE
1. Some finish their tasks, then remain faithful till death.
2. Moses. “The Lord said to Moses, “This is the land I promised on oath then Abraham . . . I have now allowed you to see it with your own eyes . . . so Moses . . . died there in the land of Moab” (Deut. 34:4-5, NLT).
3. Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race . . . now the prize awaits me” (2 Tim. 4:8).
4. Lesson: Enjoy when your productive years continue right up to the end.
E. THOSE RECOMMITTED TO THEIR ORIGINAL CALLING
1. Joshua faithfully followed Moses from Egypt to the Promised Land. His greatest accomplishment came after age 80 when he conquered the land. Now 40 years later he challenges people.
a. To recommit. “Put away the idols your ancestors worshipped” (Joshua 24:14).
b. Example. “But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
2. Jacob was a prodigal in his youth, but met God at Bethel and his name was changed to Israel. “By faith Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff” (Heb. 11:21, NLT).
3. Lesson: Recommit yourself and those who follow to the same vision and values of the original productive years.
F. THOSE WHO ACCOMPLISHED MUCH BUT LATER TURNED AWAY
1. Noah’s greatest task: He preached God’s message to his generation, “It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith” (Heb. 11:7, NLT).
2. The sin Noah denounced ultimately became his downfall. “They were eating and drinking . . . until the flood came” (Matt. 24:38-39, KJV), “One day he drank some wine he had made, and he became drunk and lay naked inside his tent” (Gen. 9:21, NLT).
3. Demas was on Paul’s staff of fellow workers. “Luke . . . sends his greetings, so does Demas” (Col. 4:14, NLT). When there was no more work to do, he left. “Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life” (2 Tim. 4:10).
4. Lesson: God used them greatly for a specific task and this influence of their work will go on and God will reward them according to their contributions. Yet, they will lose the commendation they could have received if they had remained faithful till the end.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
To email Dr. Towns - eltowns@liberty.edu.
