Today, I want to talk about a topic that’s relevant to us all, no matter our age: the concept of retirement, especially in the context of our service to God.
When we think of retirement, we often envision a time of rest after years of labor, a period to enjoy the fruits of our hard work. But have you ever considered how this concept applies to our service in God’s kingdom? While we may retire from our secular jobs, does the same principle apply to our work in the church?
Psalms 92:12-15 offers us insight into this matter. It describes the righteous as flourishing like palm and cedar trees, still bearing fruit in old age, fresh and flourishing. This imagery powerfully suggests that there’s a significant role for the elderly in God’s service, that they can still be productive and vital in the kingdom.
Throughout the Bible, we see God using elderly individuals in crucial roles. Consider Moses and Aaron, who were 80 and 83 years old, respectively, when called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua and Caleb, too, were advanced in age during the conquest of Canaan. Daniel served God faithfully into his 80s, including his time as a governor in Babylon and his experience in the lion’s den. In the New Testament, we find Zacharias and Elizabeth advanced in years, becoming the parents of John the Baptist. Simeon and Anna, both elderly, bore witness to Christ in the temple. Even Paul, referring to himself as “the aged,” continued his ministry with vigor.
These examples teach us that the elderly can be incredibly fruitful in God’s service. They also raise a question: Can the elderly today be similarly used in God’s service? Absolutely. The need for elders and older women to teach and guide is as relevant today as it was in biblical times. Older men can aspire to be elders, growing and developing the necessary qualifications. Older women are exhorted to teach and guide younger women in living godly lives.
Beyond formal roles, there are numerous ways the elderly can serve, including through hospitality, edification, evangelism, sending cards, making phone calls, and spending time in prayer and fasting. The scripture encourages the elderly to continue proclaiming God’s strength and recounting His mighty works.
So, what does this mean for us today? It challenges us to re-examine our usefulness to the Lord and His church. Physical infirmities may slow us down, but spiritual renewal is an ongoing process. As we age, our responsibility to bear fruit and contribute to the growth of the church does not diminish. Like Paul, we are called to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
As we think about our own life’s journey, whether you’re approaching retirement age or are already there, consider how you might continue or even begin to serve the Lord more fully. If you’re not yet a member of the Lord’s church, the path to becoming one starts with hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized for the remission of sins. For those who are already members but may have stumbled, remember, we can always turn to God in prayer for forgiveness and strength.
Let’s embrace the opportunity to serve the Lord, at every stage of our lives, with vigor and dedication.
