THE GRACE OF RIPE OLD AGE

Read Zechariah 8:1-4

MEMORISE: Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each one with his staff in his hand because of great age' (Zechariah 8:4)

EXPOSITION

Tomorrow doubles as the International Day of Older Persons, with the Independence Day of Nigeria. Let's talk about becoming elder statesmen/women.

Though the Bible isn't out to prove God's existence, it is replete with undeniable proofs of it, upon which fact it is based. That He exists is undeniable, yet, no one knows or can know His age; He is ageless, hence His power to grant us longevity in life (Zech. 8:4). Living to a very good old age in life only comes by God's grace (cf. Matt. 6:27; Rom. 9:16).

After Jesus had reinstated Peter, He told him, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish' (Jn. 21:18). Was Christ not in a way promising him old age? Why and how could He have been able to offer that? He is Life and the Life-Giver. But Jesus added that in Peter's old age, he would be led to where he didn't want - his manner of death (cf. 2 Pet. 1:14).

Peter wanted to know what would happen to John, the beloved. He asked, 'But Lord, what about this man?' (Jn. 21:21). To this, 'If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me' (Jn. 21:22). That is the power of grace that Christ Jesus can give to us to live long and be full of age. God doesn't want us that in our old age that we become a liability. Rather, He promised that we would be fruitful in our old age (Psa. 92:12-15). Old age without Christ is just a total waste. Remain in Christ till He returns (Psa. 91:16).

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord Jesus, please satisfy me with long life and peace.

2. I refuse to die young and untimely, in Jesus' name.

3. Let us pray for our spiritual leaders that the Lord should preserve their lives.

EXTRA READING: Proverbs 31:2 - 31:31; Ecclesiastes 1:1 - 2:15; Galatians 3:27 - 4:19

Remain Blessing