EXODUS 7:6-7

Then Moses and Aaron did so; just as the Lord commanded them, so they did. And Moses was

eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh.

Usefulness doesn’t have to stop at retirement. At age 89 architect Philip Johnson designed a New

York skyscraper with gold tinted glass. Critics are hailing it as a masterpiece. At 92 theater

caricaturist Al Hirschfield attends every Broadway opening and puts in seven days a week at his

drawing board. Poet Stanley Kunitz won the 1995 National Book Award at age 90. These men

have not allowed age to stand in the way of usefulness. They know it’s never too late to be

productive.

God also uses those who are skiing the downhill side of life. Moses was 80 when he was called

to his greatest task and Aaron was 83. In fact, God would use them for the next 40 years to lead

the people of Israel.

Certainly there must have been younger men to fill the role, but God chose Moses, who was

picked at birth and seasoned by years. In God’s sight it’s not your age that counts; it’s your

willingness to obey His call.

If you’re part of the younger generation, be careful how you view God’s older saints. Age is not

the critical success factor; availability and obedience are.

If you’re one of those who needs the fire department to stand by when you light the candles on

your birthday cake, don’t be too ready to settle into a rocking chair. Saints who no longer are

saddled with a daily job can serve in fruitful ways that others can’t. Volunteer to work in the

church office, visit shut-ins or encourage those who are in the hospital.

The mission field is another area that can use a lift from senior saints. Many missionaries could

use help in accomplishing their goals. If you’re a retired teacher, printer, mechanic, nurse or

whatever, your most exciting days of ministry may be ahead of you. Open up your life to God’s

possibilities.

GOD DOESN’T LOOK AT THE CALENDAR; HE LOOKS AT THE HEART.

WOODROW KROLL

www.backtothebible.in