Persistent Courage in the Face of Persecution

"Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." (Daniel 3:13-18, NKJV)

Three Hebrew men faced a tough situation and a death sentence because they refused to compromise their faith and beliefs. They rejected King Nebuchadnezzar's command to worship a golden image that measured 75 feet high and 9 feet wide. The satraps (provincial governors), administrators, governors, counselors, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces fell down and worshipped the golden image (Daniel 3:7). 

Talk about peer pressure, being castigated, being bombarded with godless ideologies!. The three Jews faced all that but refused to worship the idol; as far as they were concerned only God deserved worship. They were prepared to die for their faith in God. They were put to the test and God allowed it to happen. 

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN THE FACE OF SEVERE PERSECUTION? Would you capitulate to your persecutors for fear of death? No one likes to be persecuted, but as far as the Christian faith is concerned it is a reality. The Bible says, "yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12). Anyone who wants to live a godly life, honoring God, walking in holiness and righteousness, preaching the Gospel and making disciples will suffer persecution. That is the reality and there is no way circumventing that. 

Oh sure, you don't hear that in many churches today. The emphasis is on the name-and-claim-it mentality. Many Christians would not even entertain the thought of persecution let alone be prepared for it. Their so-called faith is only as good as their bank balance. Many would not mind compromising for the goodies of this earthly life. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were friends of Daniel were different. The lives exemplified God's Word in Daniel 11:32, "Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits"

Nebuchadnezzar confronted the three Hebrew men and even offered to pardon them if they bowed down to the image at the sound of the musical instruments. Nebuchadnezzar took their refusal personally but before they were thrown into the fiery furnace, they had this to say.

"O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)

This was a profound statement. Basically the three Jewish men affirmed their complete trust in God, His faithfulness and His omnipotence. But they also acknowledged His sovereignty. God cannot be cajoled into doing anything. He calls the shots in His own time. He decides who receives a blessing and when. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew that and told Nebuchadnezzar that even if God decided not to deliver them, they would not bow down to the golden image. DO YOU HAVE SUCH A CONVICTION ABOUT YOUR FAITH  IN JESUS? ARE YOU PREPARED TO DIE FOR JESUS?

I can tell you that such conviction is not manufactured on the spot; it is not purchased in a super store; it is not a function of sensationalism or political correctness; it is not obtained by wishful thinking and it certainly is not something that your talents and abilities can produce. IT COMES FROM HAVING AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS. 

You see, the Hebrew men demonstrated on that day of reckoning what was already going on in their lives. You cannot give what you do not have. Persecution will come our way in one form or another but we do not have to fear. We should walk by faith and not by sight, developing an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father through Jesus our Lord and Saviour by the power of the Holy Spirit. God told Joshua after Moses had died,

"Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may [prosper wherever you go." (Joshua 1:6-7)

In the face of persecution, persistent courage is required. As we put our trust in God wholeheartedly, God will guide us, and keep us running the race to the end, even in the face of stiff opposition (Proverbs 3:5-7). May the good Lord keep you, strengthen you, bless you and prosper you according to His perfect will as you draw near to Him today and always in Jesus' Name.

Do You Believe?

"Then Philip spoke and beginning with this Scripture he preached Jesus to him [explaining that He is the promised Messiah and the source of salvation]. As they continued along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch exclaimed, “Look! Water! What forbids me from being baptized?” Early mss do not contain this v.[Philip said to him, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he replied, “I do believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”] And he ordered that the chariot be stopped; and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him." (Acts 8:35-38, AMP)

"You believe that there is one God; you do well. The demons also believe and tremble." (James 2:19, MEV)

Many people claim to believe in Jesus. They say they love Jesus, that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour. They claim to have surrendered their lives to Jesus. Well, if you surrender something to someone, you no longer have control over it. You can't eat your cake and have it. You cannot surrender your life to Jesus and still be in control.

The Ethiopian eunuch was reading Isaiah 53. He came across the part that prophesied about the death of Jesus as follows:

"He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken." (Isaiah 53:7-8, NKJV)

You see, the Ethiopian eunuch saw nothing wrong with going the full length. He did not pick and choose. Philip came by his side, explained the Scriptures to him and he was convinced beyond any shadow of doubt that Jesus is Lord and Saviour. Many people accept Jesus as Saviour but not Lord. The truth of the matter is that if Jesus is not Lord, then all claims to belief in Jesus are false. 

The early Christians did not believe in a half-hearted profession of faith. For them it was total surrender to Jesus, body, soul and spirit or nothing. The disciples, who were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26) were called Christians because people saw in them Jesus - the life and love of Jesus. Is that the way it is for you?

Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." (John 14:15, NKJV). For the Ethiopian eunuch, the public demonstration of his faith in Jesus was important. He asked to be baptized and it is reasonable to assume that through him Christianity spread in North East Africa. Although the New Testament was not written at that time the eunuch was obeying the Word of God as follows:

" He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16)

Total obedience, not partial or delayed obedience is what is required. The Bible says that demons believe that God exists; they believe Jesus exists and they know that He died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven. The demons know that Jesus is Lord but they are rebellious and they continue to engage in demonic activities. And they will have their place in the lake of fire. Just saying 'I believe' is not enough; it must be followed by action. Jesus said by their fruits, believers and unbelievers shall be known (Matthew 7:16). Faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

What fruits are you producing? Are you walking by faith or by sight? Do you love your enemies and neighbours? Are you a soul-winner? What is your prayer life like? Is prayer the first port of call or the last resort? Is your life glorifying God? Does your life show that you are a new creation? Is there any difference between you and unbelievers?  

IS JESUS LORD OF YOUR LIFE? For Jesus to be Lord, it means He must be in charge. IS JESUS IN CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE?

The Ethiopian eunuch put Jesus in charge of his life. He read the Scriptures, sought clarification and once the Scriptures were explained, he did not spend time arguing. He simply obeyed. ARE YOU OBEDIENT, ARGUMENTATIVE OR STUBBORN?

God knows everything. The Bible says

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7) 

If you have not surrendered completely to Jesus, you can do that right now. Call upon Him in repentance, sincerely ask for forgiveness and receive Him as Lord and Saviour today and He will guide you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let God show you the way. The truth is that we are not intelligent, knowledgeable or wise enough to know the way forward. Jesus is the Way (the only Way), the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). When He is in control, you will never miss your way, you will walk in the truth and abundant and eternal life will be your portion in Jesus' Name. Call upon Jesus and you shall be saved. COME TO JESUS TODAY.

May the Holy Spirit open your eyes of understanding today as you walk in obedience before Him. Have a blessed day.

Is. 53:7,

The Sheep and the Goats

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. Before Him will be gathered all nations, and He will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats. He will set the sheep at His right hand, but the goats at the left.

“Then the King will say to those at His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in. I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you visited Me, I was in prison and you came to Me.’
“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? And when did we see You sick or in prison and come to You?’
“The King will answer, ‘Truly I say to you, as you have done it for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you have done it for Me.’

“Then He will say to those at the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me no food, I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, I was naked and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
“Then they also will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not serve You?’

“He will answer, ‘Truly I say to you, as you did it not for one of the least of these, you did it not for Me.’ “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31-46)

Two categories of people were mentioned by Jesus - goats and sheep. It is obvious that goats are cursed and sheep are blessed. 

"Independent, adventurous, stubborn, persistent, voracious and agile, the goats were trouble if they were ever off of their tethers. The smelly billy goat could be downright dangerous!" (Becky Bennet, Life, Hope and Truth)

"Sheep are a prey species, and their only defence is to flee. Sheep display an intensely gregarious social instinct that allows them to bond closely to other sheep and preferentially to related flock members. Flock mentality movements protect individuals from predators." (Gary M. Landsberg, Sagi Denenberg, MSD Manual )

Sheep have a flock mentality, depending on each other for protection and comfort. Goats are independent, stubborn and very troublesome and dangerous. No wonder Jesus compared those who portrayed a lack of compassion to goats and those who cared for the down and out to sheep. 

The distinction Jesus made between the two groups of people is very clear. The goats disregarded the plight of those who were hungry, homeless, hospitalised, imprisoned, and thirsty. In spite of the fact that they could alleviate the sufferings of these people by making voluntary contributions, the goats refused to render any help. On the other hand, the sheep had compassion on the people who were suffering and were commended by Jesus. 

The goats are ungodly whereas the sheep are considered righteous by Jesus. The consequences for the unrighteous are dire - everlasting punishment whereas the sheep and godly will reap eternal life. The question that arises is why would there be such a serious consequence for people who refuse (for whatever reason) to reach out to the less fortunate. Interestingly, it seems that the groups of the sick, hungry, homeless, thirsty, imprisoned comprise people from all walks of life. They are those who have fallen on hard times, are disadvantaged, who have been maligned, are facing health challenges, etc. 

There have been interpretations by theologians of this parable. Some say that the people referred to here are the Jews because Jesus said that the sheep mentioned had done their benevolent acts towards His brothers. Jesus was a Jew and from that perspective the Jews are His natural brothers. That may just be part of it but in reality, as descendants of Adam we are all brothers and sisters. That is to say we are all related to one another. We learn from Scripture that born-again believers are adopted by God as children

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:4-6, NKJV)

The Bible also says that 

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: " (John 1:12)

True Christians are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus (Romans 8:17). So, in a sense, we are brothers and sisters of Jesus. The poor and the needy are also our brothers and sisters. Interesting, isn't it?

The Bible Commentary by the Theology of Work (TOW) project puts it this way

"Individually and corporately, we are called to help those in need. We are “bound in the bundle of the living under the care of the Lord your God” (1 Samuel 25:29), and we cannot ignore the plight of human beings suffering hunger, thirst, nakedness, homelessness, sickness, or imprisonment. We work in order to meet our own needs and the needs of those dependent on us; but we also work in order to have something to give to those in need (Hebrews 13:1-3)." (Theology of Work (TOW))

We have an obligation to serve those who are in need because God created everyone. We do not get to pick and choose. We should be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We should also remember that the only time we would have opportunities to help the needy is while we are alive on this earth and that our attitudes have eternal consequences depending on whether we do good or bad. It has to be said that the grace to help the needy comes from God and that is why we must have a thriving relationship with Jesus. 

No one who has a thriving relationship with Jesus will ignore the needy because Jesus would never ignore the needy. So our reactions or responses to the needy could very well serve as an indicator of the level of our relationship with Jesus. One cannot say he or she has an intimate relationship with God and disregard the needy. If we are rooted in Jesus, then our hearts will be filled with compassion. We will consequently see the lost and needy as sheep without a shepherd and we will be moved to do something practical for them.

ARE YOU A SHEEP OR A GOAT? Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you today so that by the grace of God you can be an instrument of blessings in His hands. Have a blessed day.

Faith Precedes Divine Location

"By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:8-10)

It is not unusual for modern day Christians to claim the promises of Abraham. They readily point to Scriptures such as

"And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:29)

Yes indeed, if we are Christ's we are Abraham's seed and it is reasonable to state that if we are his seed, then we are his heirs. Yet the Bible states

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." (Romans 8:16-17)

Which position is more rewarding - seed of Abraham or child of God? Which is higher - heir of Abraham or heir of God and joint-heir with Christ? Do you get my point? Why do we want to settle for the lesser when we are seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus? (Ephesians 2:6)

Now, the in order to be glorified with Him. What exactly does this mean? Interestingly, Abraham demonstrated the meaning of this requirement. The Bible says that he obeyed God, left where he was dwelling and went out looking for an inheritance, not knowing where he was going. Incredible!

If he knew where he was going, he would have gone there directly, don't you think so? It is important to note that he obeyed God. Are you obeying God? It is impossible to obey God in the big things if you do not obey God in the small things. The other thing we glean from Hebrews is that Abraham was alert, on the lookout, watching, waiting, not willing to miss any opportunity that God gave him. There was an air of expectation, an air of anticipation about Abraham. He woke up each day, literally saying, 'Lord, what do you have it store for me'?

This was faith in demonstration. It was not just words, it was action. Abraham left his old estate, he left his previous location and yet many Christians want to eat their cake and have it. It is impossible to walk into and with the blessings of God if you do not let go completely and let Him have His way with you. You cannot hang on to the pole vault and scale the height. The pole vault is an instrument or tool; it gives you the elevation you need but you need to catapult yourself into space, so to speak. Interesting, isn't it? 

Would you let go and let God? Would you embrace persecution and suffering for the joy of sitting with Christ Jesus in power and fruitfulness? The inheritance that Abraham was looking for, God has given His children in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!

The Bible says, "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Nothing can separate you from God if you follow Him 100%, if you surrender completely to Him, if you offer yourself as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1-2). Apostle Paul knew this, no wonder he wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,

"that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death," (Philippians 3:10)

The power of the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is experienced when we conform to His death and identify with His suffering. What does that mean? It means taking up our cross daily and following Him (Luke 9:23). This is the type of faith that is required for our divine location - a place where you blossom in the power of the Holy Spirit, a place where you experience all that God created you for, a place where you function in full capacity as an ambassador of Christ, a place where the words of your mouth, the meditations of your heart are pleasing to God, a place that only you can fit it because you are unique and wonderfully made. DO NOT SETTLE FOR LESS.

May the good Lord bless you and keep you and may His face shine upon you in Jesus' Name. Have a blessed day.

THE UNEXAMINED LIFE

“The unexamined life is not worth living" - Socrates

“Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭26:2‬, ‭NKJV‬‬)

Examination, whether self-imposed or conducted on us is a reality of life. Scrutiny goes on all the time consciously or unconsciously. Whether we are in the grocery store or at school or in the mechanic's workshop, the reality is simply that some sort of scrutiny/examination is in operation. Performances at work or elsewhere are evaluated; spoken and written words and sentences are tested for coherence; driving licences are obtained after driving tests; degrees are conferred after academic tests and evaluations; vehicles are routinely checked for road worthiness; chefs intermittently and continuously evaluate their progress whilst preparing meals. There are always checks undertaken for certification of manufacturing processes or simpler day-to-day processes. Simply put, THE ACT OF TESTING PERMEATES OUR SOCIETY - from the home, to the school, to the office or factory, to the shop and even on the road whilst driving. Why then is there such a resistance to accountability? If I open my mouth and utter a statement, I am accountable for whatever I said. That is just a simple yet profound fact. 

Once the age of accountability is attained, then we are and should be accountable for everything we do. The implication is that an examination is only meaningful if conducted against a specified standard. Interestingly, we live in a standard-driven world although standards vary depending on the ultimate goal or objective or the particular body that conducts the tests. So, in a sense the concept of examinations can become quite complicated and intriguing. Unfortunately certain groups and individuals feel they are not subject to the standards (laws) of our societies, hence the sad occurrences of crime. It is the necessity for tests and examinations that drives the enactment of laws in our societies. A lawless society (one that refuses to be examined) will definitely become a death trap because decent standards are expunged from such a society.

Where am I going with all this? I am not trying to compel you to take a Philosophy 101 class. I am stating that if our lives here on earth are not examined, then achievements become meaningless because there are no standards by which to measure them. If there is a standard, then there is an instigator, perpetrator and enforcer of the standard. Morality (the idea of right and wrong) only makes sense in light of what is universally established as the standard of morality. Oh yes, many will object to any such standard and advocate for relativity - the idea that all is relative and variable from individual to individual or society to society. The question that arises is - why are there laws in our society and from where do those laws emanate? Can you imagine what would happen if laws were enforced in a relative sense?

Without prolonging this preamble, it can be stated without fear of contradiction that most of our modern laws are derived from the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). 'Thy shalt not steal' (Commandment #8) is the precursor of our modern-day anti-theft legislation. Do you get the point? It was God who gave the commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai

"Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” (Exodus 24:12, NKJV)

While it may be argued that prior to the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses, man had an inkling that theft was wrong, the Law provided a reference framework. In other words, for all nations ‘Thou shalt not steal’ can be traced back to the Creator of the Universe, God Himself. Governments enforce that law today because governance is a biblical principle instituted by God. 

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1, ESV)

The citizen who refuses to heed the law of the land soon discovers that his or her freedom can be restricted and punishment meted out in proportion to the degree of the lawless activity perpetrated by the individual. It can be stated without fear of contradiction, the individual who neglects self-examination sooner or later reaps dire consequences because

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap.” (Galatians 6:7, AMP)

The unexamined life is headed towards disaster. The ultimate examination is carried out with the Word of God as the standard. How do you measure up? The Word of God says

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God “ (Romans 3:23)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”  (John 3:16-19)

Spoken by Jesus, John 3:16-19 really puts things in perspective. When weighed against God’s immutable standards, we fall short time and time again. Self-examination and scrutiny by the Holy Spirit reveals that we have no hope of meeting God’s standards without Jesus. That is why Jesus came to die on the cross of Calvary for you and I. The Holy Spirit will convict us of sin and of righteousness as we honestly and sincerely examine our lives in the light of God’s Word. The most sensible thing to do then would be to repent of our sin, ask for forgiveness from God through Jesus and then receive Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour (John 1:12). 

Of course, no one is forced to take this step but remember there are consequences for our actions. The Bible states emphatically

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” (Hebrews 9:27-28)

Living in the light of God’s Word is the best option available for peaceful, joyful and purposeful existence because God is our Creator and all of us are accountable to Him. The principle of examination runs through everything we do. Come to Jesus today and your life will be transformed. You will then be able, by the grace of God, to pass the ultimate test on the day of your exit from this world. 

AGE - Advantage or Disadvantage?

"The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, 

He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
To declare that the Lord is upright;
He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."

(Psalms 92:12-15, NKJV)

There are certain truths that are not so palatable. The flesh finds them difficult to come to terms with. One of those truths is the reality of ageing. Ageing is the process of getting older, one that all of us, fortunately or unfortunately, are affected by. Many individuals simply cannot bear the thought of getting old, hence the obsession with plastic surgery. It's rather unfortunate that those who indulge in this superficial activity seem to forget that external modifications do not penetrate the soul or spirit. 

In the case of plastic surgery, the skin may be stretched, some fat removed from the body, shapes of certain parts of the body may be modified even to the extent of reducing their sizes or enlarging them with artificial material. All the body modifications, denials or deceptions cannot eradicate the fact that everybody is growing old by the minute. In Job 32:7-9, we read

"I said, ‘Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’ But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice." (NKJV)

The implication here is that as people get older they should grow in wisdom and therefore have good advice for the younger ones. However, that is not always the case - great men are not always wise, neither do the aged always understand justice. Quite remarkable, right? We are encouraged though, in Psalms 92 that those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in His courts and bear fruit in their old age. This makes me want to jump up and shout 'Hallelujah'. It seems to me that we can still be useful and fruitful until our dying day. This is very encouraging. Another way to look at it is to consider the fact that there are things one can do only at the age of say 50, which are impossible to do at the age of 20. Of course, this varies from individual to individual but it is a fundamental truth. Why? Well let's take a look at Ecclesiastes 3

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4), NKJV)

There is a time for everything and we move through times here on earth. For example , we are in the year 2020 and the years 2019 and earlier are gone forever. The point is that in God's perfect plan, there were things that had to be accomplished in those years. 2020 would have been too late for them. Similarly our advancement in age, while causing us to experience the frailty of our physical bodies, is absolutely necessary for the accomplishment of God's plans and purposes for our lives. We can then say with all amount of assurance that we move from one phase of our lives to the next as we age. We must therefore learn to age gracefully. 

Jesus shows us the way forward. The Bible says

"And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and men." (Luke 2:52, AMP)

Jesus kept on increasing in wisdom and in stature and that is what we should be doing even when our physical bodies become weak. Whether you are 20, 30, 50, 60 or even 90, God is for you and you have a place of functionality in this world that we are living in. Be cheerful for all is well. Yes, we are all ageing but we do not have to despondent, depressed, discontent or discouraged. There is work for you to do in  the Lord. 

On the other hand, if you do not know Jesus, you can receive Him today as your personal Lord and Saviour (John 1:12) and He will make you a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) as you confess your sins, repent of them and ask for forgiveness. Why should you ask for forgiveness? Because we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jesus died to set you free from sin and the hopelessness that the devil perpetrates in order to keep us bound. Today is the day of salvation. Come to Jesus and purpose will come into your life, ageing will be a welcome development and death will no longer scare you because you will go to a better place called Heaven when your final day on earth arrives. That is possible because Jesus bridged the gap between God the Father and us by His vicarious death on the cross of Calvary. Today you can be free to live a life of fruitfulness as you age gracefully in the Lord.

May the good Lord comfort, strengthen and challenge you with these words. Have a blessed day.