Devotion – Saturday, 10 April
Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword for today is taken from the Book of Psalms, Psalm 71 verse 9, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent,” (NRSVB). This psalm opens with a praise utterance and a prayer request to the Lord, “In you, O Lord, do I put my trust and confidently take refuge; let me never be put to shame or confusion!” The final verse confirms the psalmist’s prayer, “My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long for they are put to shame, for they are confounded, who seek and demand my hurt,” (Amplified Bible). We can identify with the psalmist as we behold the patterns in the world, demanding ever-changing new ideas and young innovations. Disrespect is heaped on those who are aged and old methods are disregarded, despite their usefulness or relevance. The mythical ever-young mindset prevails on many levels. When one is strong and independent one does not need assistance, some even think that assistance from God is not needed. Growing older is not a curse, but the progression of life, and, despite the complications, being older brings a life of experiences and a store-house of memories to aid and add to any community and enterprise. We have noticed in this time that older people have become isolated and have suffered immense loneliness as the society has cast people away in seclusion. God is the God who says that it is not good that humans are alone. He comes to people in their fear of loneliness and in their concern of being unable to contribute, through work, in society. God elected Moses to lead Israel when he was already eighty years old. When Jesus was dedicated in the temple, it was the elderly Simeon and Anna who experienced that their life-long prayers for the redemption for Israel were answered, as they held the baby Messiah in their arms. The psalmist describes God’s constant care and his deliverance. He will not allow the weak and elderly come to shame. God creates new situations where the elderly are respected, celebrated and not injured through words or deeds. As one grows older and frailer, one realizes more than ever, that our strength comes from the Lord. He will give new purpose and renewed clarity to those who feel lost in the labyrinth of the changing world compounded by ever-changing demands.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 4 verse 16, Paul wrote, “So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is being wasted away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day,’ (NRSVB). These words of Paul encourage us to look past the loss of physical abilities on the journey of life, and consider the spiritual growth that is happening daily, as we walk with the Lord. Our strength might diminish as we grow older, but our spiritual strength increases. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” (Second Corinthians, Chapter 12 verse 9). The Apostle Paul wrote about the “thorn” that he carried in his flesh. We do not know what it was that troubled Paul, but we know that it made him anxious as to whether he would be able to fulfil the physical demands of the ministry to the Gentiles. He asked God to remove from him this weakness, as it exhausted him, and made him feel that his strength was spent. God came to him, and assured him, that God can present his awesome power with greater effect in his human vessels who are weak, than in those who minister from their own strength and power. Paul received a great lifting of his spirit, knowing that God would work through him, even when he was plagued by this thorn. “He who lives in you, is greater than he who lives in the world,” wrote John in his First Letter, Chapter Four, verse 4. Because Christ lives in us we do not lose heart, but rejoice, even in our frailty.
Father, we thank you for using broken vessels to display the power of your love, Amen.
