By Pastor Paul Hauschild
Chatfield and Root Prairie Lutheran Churches
Noah built the ark at the age of 600, demonstrating obedience and faith for an aging man!
Abraham was called by God at 75 years old to become the father of a great nation, while Sarah, his wife, was 65.
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt at 80 years old, after a long life of preparation.
Anna, a prophetess, was 84 years old when she was one of a few recognized and praised the infant Jesus in the temple.
Joshua was 80 years old when he led the Israelites in battle, stepping up as leader after Moses died.
Caleb received his inheritance in the Promised Land from Joshua at 85 years of age, after a lifetime of service and faithfulness.
King David was still writing his Psalms and making provisions for building the temple in Jerusalem well into his 70s.
John the apostle wrote the Gospel of John, three letters, and the book of Revelation in his 90s.
When we turn to the scriptures, we find that God has a habit of working in and through older adults. He uses senior citizens to do some of his greatest work!
What if we looked at retirement not as being “put out to pasture,” but as a time in life to share our wisdom and experiences with the younger folks while, at the same time, doing more things we are passionate about? Today’s senior adults are the most religious and spiritual of all the generations in America. They are more likely to pray, read the Bible, attend worship, give and serve.
It’s never too late for God to use you! But we need to be open-minded and have an available attitude. We need to do our best to stay active and social. God has a purpose for us in our later years that is perhaps different than our younger years, but that’s good. Research shows that older adults who maintain a sense of purpose experience benefits in mind, body and spirit, which in turn gives them motivation to be active and connected.
In our churches and communities, it’s important to see in the elderly many possibilities to enrich our lives and society. We can remain a strong community when we see how God works his will in all ages of people.
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