Our verse for today comes from John 21:18, “Most assuredly I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
It is a tricky thing to try and figure out what is young and what is old. Simply put two people from different generations together and immediately the opinions of young and old differ. In “Shadowlands,” C.S. Lewis points out some of the buildings of Magdalen College to his future wife, Joy, noting that the college was founded and many buildings were built in the 15th century. He then mentioned the New Building, where his office was, which happened to be built as recently as 1733. So a building well over 200 years old still went by the name of “New.” When we reach a certain age, when we get older, we get certain privileges: drivers license, going away to college, getting a job and living out on our own, getting married and starting a family. And as we take on more, we soon realize that much more comes with what we get. And then, mostly without our realization or our consideration, we begin to lose things. It could be hair, energy, memory, or worse, like friends and loved ones. But along this journey, if we are walking it with Jesus, there is a greater exchange that is asked of us. We are told by our Lord to give up our lives to gain them. Our wills are to become subject to His. Our plans are to give way to the cause of His glory.
And this bargain is required of us every day. We do not make it once and consider our mission accomplished. We do not reach an age, older, and declare we are done and done. Once you take the hand of the Savior, He expects to lead you without fail or interruption to the very end. And it is the end that He has planned for you specifically. It may find you with your hands outstretched, or you may get there in a very different manner. But whatever He wills, we know it is the will of our loving Father whose blessings towards us each day are immeasurable and unfathomable. You are old, and young, and following One who is timeless and eternal. Walk with Him as if today was your first day together.
As we seek Him today, direct your ageless spirit to worship your King in newness of joy.
Have a vibrant Tuesday.
#4 Rich Holt
Dad of Ripken, Koy, TrishaJean, Samantha, Kakie Holiday and Raleigh
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.
