GOLDEN AGERS

The apostle Paul taught Titus to teach even the "aged" in the church. "That the aged men be sober, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;" (Titus 2:2-3). To the aged God still has a word to challenge growth. Your soberness, sound faith, charity, patience, behavior in holiness, and trustworthiness - they are "treasures unseen."

That there are Scriptures speaking specifically and directly to "the aged" to do this or that should be a stark reminder that God is not and will never be finished with "the aged."

Even in his old age - prior to death - Jacob blessed and worshipped. "By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph, and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff" (Hebrews 11:21). The psalmist declared, "I have been young, and now am old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed beginning bread" (Psalm 37:25). Clearly the ministry of "the aged" had benefited one generation of believers. In Psalm 44:1 we read: "We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old." Therefore, you can pray: "Cast me not off in the time of old age, forsake me not when my strength faileth" (Psalm 71:9). Here's a wonderful reminder: your strength may fail, but God will never fail.

Psalm 71:18, "Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come."

I want to offer four encouragements to "the aged."

1. Just because you get older doesn't mean God's presence is inactive. God's presence is not just available to the young, vibrant, and strong. As a matter of fact, in my experience, some of the most powerful Christians are "the aged." Your eyes may become dim, your body may be weak, and most of your days may be spent in the doctor's office, but know this: God is still with you every step of the way.
2. Just because you have matured doesn't mean God's power is exhausted. Titus 2:2-3 is a reminder that we will never "arrive." We will never get to the place where we need to stop learning and growing. And we can never exhaust God's resources. He has an unlimited supply. You might be exhausted and weary, but God has strength in vast supply! (see Isaiah 40:29-31)
3. Just because you are weary does not mean that you are wasted. God still has plans for you. You might feel like you should be put on a shelf but you are no useless worn out vessel. God is still working His plans through your life. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" (Philippians 1:6).
4. Just because you are gray doesn't mean God has forgotten to be gracious. God is still good! As a matter of fact, "the aged" have experienced almost all that life can throw at them. Perhaps you've experienced the bitter side of sinful living and its results. Maybe someone you dearly love had their life cut short and you outlived them. By God's grace you have learned the true meaning of contentment, peace, and joy. Psalm 16:11 provides the truest form of life-contentment: "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." What you have learned in this life needs to be passed down to the next generation and generations to follow.

You are a treasure unseen but you don't have to keep the treasure that is Christ in you unseen from those who know you.

God's presence is still active in your life!

God's power can still be productive in your life!

God's plan can still be worked in your life!

God's pleasures can still be experienced in your life!

Today, this can be your prayer:

"Father, Let me keep going so I can glory in Your presence! Let me keep going so I can speak of Your power! Let me keep going so I can fulfill Your plan for my life! Let me keep going so I can grow old in Your grace! In Jesus. name, AMEN."