Last month the theme was young people and we included an article giving a biblical perspectives on being young. Being eminently well balanced we thought it good to look this month at biblical perspectives on old age.
When does one become old? Biblically speaking, old age begins at 60. In 1 Timothy 5 Paul says that widows under 60 were not to be placed on the church lists as they still had realistic prospects of re marriage. Under the Law, at 60 the amount due in annual atonement money was reduced (Leviticus 27). Priests retired at 50, while still in their prime. We all know that the biblical figure for life expectancy is 70, or 80 if we have the strength (though Moses, who wrote those words, died aged 120).
Preliminary remarks
1. Older people are to have an honoured part in the life of the family
There is a trend in our society to shut old people away. Many have abdicated responsibility for ageing relatives. This is not a biblical pattern. Rather in the Bible we see a Jacob blessing his sons, a Naomi with her grandson on her lap. Zechariah 8 pictures New Jerusalem with people of ripe old age sitting and children playing, in the same street. Christians must respect their parents and care for them in old age as best they can. Commitments to church life do not preclude the responsibility. We must put our religion into practice, beginning with our families. Two proverbs (17:6; 23:22) remind us that parents should be the pride of their children. We should listen to our fathers who gave us life and not despise our mothers when they grow old.
Honour is not to be merely ceremonial. Naomi not only laid her grandson in her lap but took part in his care (Ruth 4:16). Grandparents (and surrogate grandparents) can have an important role in passing on the gospel to the rising generation. Passing on the good news of redemption to grandchildren is specifically commanded in the Law (Exodus 10:2; Deuteronomy 4:9). Lois's influence over her grandson Timothy is well known.
2. Older people are to have an honoured part in the life of the church
Both young and old left Egypt to worship God. In Psalm 148 old men and children are among those who praise the LORD. Joel begins his prophecy addressing older men and later speaks of them dreaming dreams in the days to come. Jeremiah speaks of young and old rejoicing together under the New Covenant and certainly in the New Testament there is evidence of young and old being involved in church life. Older men and women are to be involved in the church's teaching programme (see Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus). Older people have the advantage of experience. This does not mean that they are automatically wiser than the young. In Job, Eliphaz says. The grey-haired and the aged are on our side (15:10) which may have been true, but he was still in error. Job later points out that It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right (32:9). Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king (Ecclesiastes 4:13). However, the young should normally look to the old for faithful leadership. Certainly the old should always be given great respect. Under the Law God's people were expected to rise when an older person came into the room as a mark of respect to them and to God (Leviticus 19). Also in the New Testament, young men are told to be submissive to older men (1 Peter 5:5). Paul at one point refers to his advanced years to give weight to his argument (Philemon 9).
Practical reminders
1. Old age usually brings physical decline - You must accept your limitations
Ecclesiastes 12:1-5 gives a classic description of the physical decline of old age. There is humour here but the reality is not so funny. Loss of eyesight is common, as with Isaac, Jacob and Eh. Hearing and taste go too, as with Barzillai. The voice becomes croaky; strength evaporates; you stoop; you feel the cold more (as did David). Jeremiah 6:11 talks graphically of being weighed down with years. There is grey hair, of course, and a loss of sexual appetite is common. In a fallen world, sorrows inevitably multiply with the passing years.
There are exceptions. Even at 120 Moses' eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. Caleb at 85 felt as vigorous as 45 years before (Joshua 14:11). However, the norm is physical decline, as the 'tent' comes down. We must expect it and be prepared. It is a comfort to know that the Bible expects outward decline. There is no need to be ashamed of it or frustrated by it. Barzillai in 2 Samuel 19:31-39 is perhaps an example to us of accepting the limitations of old age. While outwardly they waste away, believers are renewed inwardly every day. We should shine ever brighter till the full light of day, thankful to escape the deep darkness reserved for the wicked (Proverbs 4:28- 31). Physical weakness and decline are a reminder too of the Lord who does not change (Malachi 3:6), who is the same always (Hebrews 13:8; James 1:18).
2. Old age often brings regrets - regrets that must be replaced with repentance
We must seek the Lord wholeheartedly in old age, as at any other time - while he may be found. We can be sure he will restore ... the years ... the locust has eaten. To make the most of every opportunity while we are still young will prevent many future regrets. We need to learn to number our days and pray Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life (Psalm 39:4). When we are old we must resist the desire to live in the past and accept that opportunities have gone and repentance is the only sure way to deal with vain regrets.
3. Old age inevitably brings us nearer to death - be prepared
What is obsolete and ageing will soon disappear says Hebrews 8:13 in a different context. The Old Testament speaks of death as the way of all the earth. It is only realistic to be prepared for the final enemy we all have to face. Are you ready? Is your house in order? Are you resting on the promises of God's Word?
4. Old age can bring the temptation to be lax in spiritual matters - a temptation to resist
There are examples in Scripture of godly men who failed in their old age. Think of Noah's drunkenness, Abraham at the court of Abimelech, Samuel appointing his wicked sons, Solomon turning to idolatry. The Bible speaks of an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning, of old wives' tales and of the dangers of lack of self-control, slander or being addicted to wine in old age (see Titus 2). Watch and pray.
In their old age believers must continue to put their trust in the great promises of God's Word. For example: Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you (Isaiah 46:4). (The righteous) will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green (Psalm 71:18). Figures like Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and Moses, despite obvious faults, should be examples to us in their old age and ours. Simeon, Anna and Elizabeth are particularly inspiring New Testament examples. Paul's testimony in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 is very moving.
5. Old age can bring the temptation to think your life's work is over - another temptation to resist
Noah was 600 when he entered the ark (the equivalent of 60, perhaps, after the flood). Abraham was 75 when he left Ur to go to the Promised Land, and 99 when Isaac was finally born. Moses began his great ministry at 80. Caleb took Hebron at 85. Think again too of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Anna and Simeon in their old age. Older women were to teach younger women in the church and older widows probably had an important role too (see 1 Timothy 5).
Let's all pray, with the writer of Psalm 71, Even when I am old and grey do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation.
This article first appeared in race Magazine.
