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They Will Still Yield Fruit in Old Age
Psalm 71
"I don't know... I just do not feel like I am a part of the congregation
anymore." This statement, or something very similar to it, has been made to
me on more than one occasion in different churches by different brethren whom I
love and respect very much. In each case, it surprised me because each had done
so much to advance the cause of Christ in times past. None of them were perfect,
but they each had done what they could.
So, why had this feeling developed? Well, they all had one thing in common that
had led them to this conclusion. They were advanced in years. Frailties and
responsibilities were weighing heavily upon them, and they were not as directly
active in the efforts of the local churches where they were members as they had
once been.
First, this is not a feeling exclusively found in the realm of the local church
and participation in the efforts there. Even non religious older folks many
times feel the same way concerning whatever realms they may have once been more
active in.
But life brings changes. God knew it would be this way, and He has something to
say about it. We cannot do better than to see what the Lord has to say.
Not All of Us Are Like Moses
"Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was
not dim, nor his vigor abated. (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses was an exception to the
rule, and that is why this Biblical statement was noteworthy. We'd all like to
be physically healthy as Moses was in our advanced years.
But typically, we more often fit the description of the writer of Ecclesiastes.
After, in a rather mournful poetic way he described failing eyesight and losing
ones teeth, he urges us to remember always the Lord; "Remember Him before the
silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is
shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; then the dust will return to
the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it." (Eccl
12:6-7; see vss 1-7).
An Aged Psalmist Writes
Though we may not have Moses' vigor, we can still have his faith. There is an
interesting Psalm written by an elderly man of faith. It shows us several things
about a man of strong faith as he deals with life's issues and struggles in his
advanced age. Without repeating the whole Psalm here, note a few lines from it.
First, what this gentleman does have is God as his refuge and fortress. Every
man and woman of faith at whatever age always has this! "In You, O LORD, I have
taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed. In Your righteousness deliver me and
rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of habitation to
which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are
my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71:1-3).
But this wonderful assurance does not mean that there are no ordeals to
overcome. Some are related to age, some are not. For example, then as now, there
are people who would trick and con the elderly. The Psalmist writes, "Rescue me,
O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and
ruthless man," (Psalm 71:4).
Others watch and were amazed at how this grey-headed (later in the Psalm we
learn of his hair color) man of faith deals with life's issues with a strength
and grace that are his because of his faith in God. He will not stop declaring
his confidence, peace and joy. "I have become a marvel to many, For You are my
strong refuge. My mouth is filled with Your praise And with Your glory all day
long." (Psalm 71:7-8).
After speaking of how God had been with him from birth, the Psalmist speaks of
his continued need for God in the evening of life. He pleads for God's continued
presence, "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my
strength fails." (Psalm 71:9).
The Psalmist sees his advancement in age as continued opportunity to show others
God's strength, though perhaps in different circumstances than he did when he
was a young man "O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare
Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to
come." (Psalm 71:17-18).
And finally, the Palmist sees ultimate revival and victory in spite of the
problems he faces in his final time on the earth. "You who have shown me many
troubles and distresses. Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from
the depths of the earth. May You increase my greatness And turn to comfort me."
(Psalm 71:20-21).
Some Things the Lord Has Said
The Lord urges respect for the elderly. This needs to include self respect for
those who are advanced in years. Concerning the righteous elderly, the Lord
speaks of their usefulness in His service, "They will still yield fruit in old
age... to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no
unrighteousness in Him." (See Psalm 92:12-15). For those who have lived their
lives in righteous service of the Lord, the Bible says, "A gray head is a crown
of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31).
Services to be Rendered
So, what can one do? The first thing to remember is that in the local church
there are many different things to do by different people with different
abilities and opportunities. Not everyone is young or old (hopefully) but there
are things for everyone to do as they are able. No one ought to feel that they
are any less a part of the body due to the inability to do everything they would
like to be able to do (1 Corinthians 12:13-27). So, what can an elderly disciple
do who is now infirmed or otherwise incapacitated due to the restraints of age?
Be good examples. When outward strength fades, show inner, spiritual strength
and let it increase. "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man
is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians
4:16). Be the cause of others "marveling" because of your grace and inner
strength and confidence. When Paul was aged, he did this from a prison (Philemon
9)!
Give counsel with Scriptures and proven experience. As you are able, speak of
the blessings and victories that God has given you (Titus 2:2-4).
Pray. Anna was 84 and prayed "night and day" (Luke 2:37). Age does not diminish
the effectiveness of the prayers of righteous men and women (James 5:16b). Pray
for the church, the elders, the teachers, the preacher, the sick, the lost, the
young, the old.
Do not let anyone diminish the importance of these three areas of service. And
these are not exhaustive, you can perhaps think of many more. The church needs
all these services, and those who involve themselves in these things are
rendering wonderful service to God and His church and a blessing to their fellow
members in the body.
By Jon W. Quinn
From Expository Files 12.8; August 2005
