Our expiration date ∙∙
John grew up and became strong in spirit. He lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel. – Luke 1:80
1 Corinthians 15:54-55
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
As we grow older, most of our physical abilities and strengths tend to decline. However, there is one notable exception: the human spirit, which has the potential to grow stronger over time. This was true for John the Baptist; he grew ever stronger in his spirit (Luke 1:80).
Satchel Paige wisely asked, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you was?”
The wiser mind mourns less for what age takes away than what it leaves behind (Wordsworth).
When you are eighty years old, you have learned almost everything. The problem is being able to remember it (George Burns).
Typically, our “long-term memory” remains intact, but as Burns humorously pointed out, the challenge for some older adults is recalling the information they’ve already acquired. For many of us, the real issue might be something as simple as forgetting where we parked the car. An old adage reminds us, “It’s okay to forget your keys; it’s not okay to forget what the keys are for.”
Too often, we let age define us when, instead, we should let our identity shape how we perceive our age. As people age, particularly those who choose not to dwell on loss, their thoughts naturally shift to what truly matters. By focusing on what’s important, they can maximize their mental and spiritual potential.
One of the inevitable sorrows of aging is losing dear friends and family. We also begin to reflect on our own eventual departure to our eternal home. However, the apostle Paul offers guidance on facing these challenges.
While we grieve the loss of loved ones, our sorrow is not permanent. As children of the King, our hope extends beyond this world. Death is not the final chapter; resurrection is. All children of the King have a sure hope of resurrection and eternity with Him. In our later years, the Father may even introduce new friends and loved ones into our lives.
Paul provides a roadmap for dealing with these concerns. Paul did not fear death and eagerly anticipated being with the Father, yet he understood that he still had important work to accomplish.
Philippians 1:21-25
21 For me, living means living for Christ and dying is even better.
22 But I can do more fruitful work for Christ if I live. So, I really don’t know which is better.
23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.
24 But for your sake, it is better that I continue to live.
25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.
Being strong in spirit and embracing our purpose, we can face aging with hope and wisdom.
REFLECT & PRAY
Each of us has an expiration date. The Father has a plan and purpose for every child of the King. When our time of service is finished, the Father calls us home. We live to serve at His pleasure.
Father, I am thankful for the beloved friends you’ve taken away and for those new ones you’ve brought into my life. My life and destiny are securely in Your hands.
INSIGHT
During the era of the Judges, around 1200 BC to 1020 BC, a severe famine struck the land of Judah, prompting Elimelech and his wife, Naomi, along with their two sons, to seek refuge in Moab. Sadly, Elimelech passed away, and Naomi’s sons married Moabite women, Ruth and Orpah (fun fact: Oprah Winfrey’s name was meant to be Orpah, but the name on her birth certificate was misspelled). Then, tragedy struck again as Naomi’s sons also died, creating a scenario that could rival any soap opera.
Faced with such heartache, Naomi decided to return to Judah. She advised her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and remarry. Orpah took her advice, but Ruth, in a display of remarkable loyalty and devotion, chose to stay with Naomi. Ruth’s pledge of loyalty and dedication is delightful and charming and has resonated through the ages. Ruth’s words are among the most memorable in all of Scripture. Few utterances in the Bible match her speech for sheer poetic beauty and extraordinary courage and spirituality (Block).
Ruth 1:16-17
16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.
17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”
Ruth 1:20-21
20 “Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty, has made life very bitter for me.”
21 “I went away full, but the LORD has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the LORD has caused me to suffer, and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?”
Naomi was overwhelmed with bitterness and regret, feeling as though life had drained her completely. Ruth 1:20-21 captures her despair:
Yet unbeknownst to Naomi, her story was far from over. It had only begun; great chapters lie ahead for the childless widow. The journey leads her to Bethlehem, a name that hints at what is to come. It is an old-fashioned love story with a twist. Ruth meets Boaz, who falls in love with her. They marry and have a son named Obed. Obed became the father of Jesse, and Jesse became the father of King David.
Naomi finds herself blessed with a new family. Her story shifts from sorrow to joy. The Father orchestrated Ruth’s entrance into Naomi’s life, bringing love and loyalty at just the right time to begin the restoration process. The Father provides Naomi with generous compensation and removes her bitterness. Naomi, once a childless widow, becomes the grandmother of Obed and the great-great-grandmother of King David.
Ultimately, however, godly loyalty tends to pay big dividends. True loyalty is demanding, requiring patience and a willingness to face challenges. Loyal individuals adjust their lives to support those they serve, often at a personal cost. Ruth exemplified this by leaving her own family to be at Naomi’s side.
The Father recognized Ruth’s unwavering loyalty and blessed her with a loving husband, a cherished son, and the honor of being part of the lineage of Jesus Christ (Stanley).
Continue to grow in spirit and serve at His pleasure. Only He knows the end of your days on earth.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯11-09-2
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 