GETS
BETTER WITH AGE
SCRIPTURE
TEXT: Joshua 14: 6-15, 15:13-19
People have different perspectives
on viewing age when we talk about seniors.
Some may view it as a positive thing in terms of being
able to enjoy CPF or concessions on transport and cinemas.
Yet others see the negative side of getting older like
deteriorating physical health.
So how should we view seniors?
Let us examine the Book of Joshua to see what it tells
us about older persons.
MYTH #1
My
age makes me great before the Lord’s eyes. A senior in God’s kingdom is awarded
certain privileges over others, as in human society.
In Asian countries, we respect the
elderly and children are filial to their parents but because of
a great emphasis on the elderly, seniors are treated more favourably
and given greater honor. However,
in the eyes of God we are all equal.
We read in Joshua 14:6 that Caleb who was older than Joshua,
went to ask Joshua’s permission to be given the land of Hebron
which was promised as Caleb’s inheritance and to drive out
the Anakite people who lived there. Why did Caleb humble himself when he was more
senior than Joshua? He
understood the correct way of doing things in God’s eyes. It is neither the status of seniority nor
fame that brings about a privileged status but rather the will
of God. Joshua was God’s appointed leader.
Likewise, we must endeavor to honor the will of God in
our lives.
MYTH
#2
My
senior age means there is no need for me to serve the Lord anymore. I can retire from christian
service!
In our secular society, our
mindset is such that after working a certain number of years, we head into
retirement. In the Christian context,
there is no retirement from God’s service. For example, John Wesley served the Lord to
his final breath. In the book of Joshua,
we read that Caleb was 85 years of age when he asked for his inheritance and
he took an active part to fight against the enemies! It is the spirit of God that enables us for
service, not our abilities, our strength or our age. God’s grace makes us able to serve
Him and accomplish great deeds – even in our older years.
MYTH
#3
The
assumption that the older generation has nothing to offer unto the younger
generation. Hence there is no need for
the two to interact.
In our modern society there is a
common perception that there is a generation gap and because of that, seniors
have nothing to offer to the younger generation. In Joshua 15:18-19 we read that Acsah, daughter of Caleb requested for the springs of the
land to be given to her as a wedding gift, for her marriage to Othniel. Caleb not
only gave her the land but also the Upper and Lower springs. He showed great generosity to his
daughter. We may not possess great
physical possessions so as to pass them down to our children. However, we are able to do the same as
Caleb when we share with our children our faith experience which is the
treasure grained through our life encounters with God. We can help to increase their faith in God
and to trust in Him.
CONCLUSION
We
read in Gen 5:27 that Methuselah lived 969 years but nothing was recorded of
any deeds he had done. Was God waiting
for Methusaleh to amount to something? This speaks of a loving, merciful and
gracious God waiting to make Methuselah’s life count. Is God waiting for you to make yours count
for Him? It is never too late, if you
are willing. His Spirit is more than
able to empower and use you.
Prayer Response:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank
you for your Holy Spirit, without whom I can do nothing. Lord use me and
empower me to make my life count that others may see Christ in me. Amen
Devotional based
on message by Rev Joel Yong