Get To Work!
We can all agree that God is all-knowing, all-wise, and ever-present. When He speaks, His words are totally true. Yet, there are moments when we might wish to finish God’s sentences for Him.
Take the example of Joshua: “When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, ‘You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over’” (Joshua 13:1). If I were Joshua, I might hope God would say, “You’ve done a great job! Now go retire, enjoy a vacation, and check off your bucket list. I’ll pay for everything.” But that didn’t happen.
Instead, God presented Joshua with a list of tasks he still needed to complete. There was no rest or vacation. Joshua was called to continue working, even as he approached 110 years of age—or as God said, “very old.”
This shows us that God has a different view of aging. Society (including the church) often suggests that older individuals should retire and fade into the background. However, the Bible shows that old age can be a time of continued contribution. In the New Testament, Simeon and Anna, both what God would call “very old,” publicly recognized the baby Jesus and used their gifts to serve others (Luke 2:25-38). Like Joshua, they were “very old” yet still fulfilling their purpose, still doing their job from God.
This message is encouraging for both younger and older individuals. It emphasizes that God sees potential in us throughout our lives and provides opportunities to fulfill that potential. We are called to thrive mentally, physically, and spiritually at every stage of life—no excuses. Apostle John said, “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul [not your age] prospers” (3 John 2). If you’re breathing, your God-given purpose isn’t over.
Whether young or old, God expects us to use our gifts to become all He created us to be. Simeon and Anna significantly impacted Mary and Joseph, demonstrating how wisdom can transcend age. This is how God’s Kingdom operates: everyone—young and old—has a continuous role to play. So everyone—young and old—let’s get back to work!
God bless you!
Pastor Janice Fareed-Hardy
