2 KINGS 2:6-8: Then Elijah said to him, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to the
Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So the two of
them went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood facing them at a distance,
while the two of them stood by the Jordan. Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the
water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.
Serving the Lord is not just for the young. John Wesley preached until he died at age 90. Gladys Stall
of Lake Magdalene, Florida, has taught Sunday school for 82 years. She began at the age of 14 and
is still teaching six-and seven-year-olds at the age of 96.
As we encounter Elijah in the last few days of his ministry, we find a man still actively proclaiming the
reality and glory of God. Proceeding toward his appointment with destiny and the fiery chariot of God,
he demonstrated the power of God by parting the water of the Jordan. Even in his closing moments,
Elijah dramatically revealed that the God of Israel is an awesome God.
Christians never reach the age where they can completely “retire” from the Lord’s service. Even when
we may physically no longer be able to do the things we once did, God can still use us to reveal His
power and glory.
It may be in a ministry of prayer or encouragement, and that may prove to be the best ministry we’ve
ever had. Perhaps God will demonstrate His awesome power through the life experiences of His
more senior saints. However He chooses, our latter years should be as much at His disposal as our
former ones.
Whatever you have left in this life, give it to God. Commit yourself to bring glory to Him in your elder
years as you have in your younger ones. Who knows? The best may be yet to come.
FINISHING WELL BRINGS MORE GLORY TO GOD THAN BEGINNING WELL.