Do you know of any 80 year-olds serving on the frontlines in battle? Or any 120 year-olds climbing mountains? The Bible is wrought with examples of the internal strength of believers, but not often do we consider the physical strength of believers. Yet, so often they go hand in hand.
Physical abilities…
In the chapters of Joshua where we learn about ALL the kings who were conquered, as well as the land and all the divisions, two verses jump out.
And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming.
Joshua 14:10-11
Speaking of Moses, we learned in Deuteronomy that his strength never failed either.
Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. … Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated.
Deuteronomy 34:1,7
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It can be easy to forget that when God calls up a leader, He will provide the abilities and ensure they have the capabilities to perform that task. The strength of believers is for the benefit of Christ. God called both of these men for different reasons. Moses established the nation and taught the Israelites to follow God. Joshua encouraged continuation of following God and led them into the Promised Land.
Strength in numbers…
The Israelites were a large nation, yet the strength in numbers was led by men with strength in the number of their years. They stood for Christ until the very end.
Our culture has set ourselves up for checking out once “retirement age” hits. Yet, what strong examples were set of us in the Bible times for effective ministries. The New Testament carries through on this theme encouraging the older to advise the younger.
Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
Titus 2:2-8
Your worth is not determined by looks, knowledge, power, or age. It is by the wisdom lit within you, and that flame should never be given the option to die out. The strength of believers is not given with the caveat of aging out of the system.
Guidance…
Moses himself sought counsel from an older man, his father-in-law Jethro. Kings and rulers often had a team of advisors. Moses himself was Joshua’s advisor.
Everyone could use a counselor no matter your age, and what better counselor than one who is dedicated to his personal relationship with Jesus and learning more daily through the Word. How amazing would it be if our churches today established that linking of generations, not to say a lot haven’t of course. “Never forget” is a common theme of the Old Testament because the truths of the Bible can easily not be thoroughly passed on to the next generation.
Easy steps…
So often, it’s the little things in life that spur us on. The littlest compliment can turn your day around. The nicest smile can ease your anxiety. A simple encouragement can prompt action. The strength of believers can be found in those small details.
If you’re wondering how you can get involved:
- join an inter-generational Bible study,
- start a small group,
- lead a men’s ministry,
- send a weekly text to a young woman with a piece of encouragement.
Bigger steps…
If a bigger impact is something you’re interested in, I’ll offer up this ministry that a local church started.
A group of older women decided to start implementing the Titus 2 guidance by ministering to the younger Moms deep in the throes of parenting. They decided to become more than sideline observers and jumped in feet first. Even though they stated it was awkward at first, they committed as a group of older women to come to a house on a regular basis to help her with chores, feeding, babysitting, or whatever else that young Mom could use help with that week. They not only came alongside her with encouragement, they physically helped her!
God is not done with us when retirement age hits. It can actually be the most impactful season of your life for those around you. The strength of believers is a God-given gift and one that we should all utilize.
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I appreciate this encouragement. I want to try to focus on the positive aspects of the aging process. It’s all part of the adventure!