CASTAWAYS

I Was Just Thinking About -  CASTAWAYS

Today, Veterans Day will be celebrated across the United States. The holiday, originally named Armistice Day, marked the end of fighting in World War I when the Allies and the German Empire declared a cease-fire. After World War II and the Korean War saw millions of Americans put into uniform, Congress knew that all who served must be honored. On June 1, 1954, Armistice Day was amended to Veterans Day to reflect all of their contributions to protecting freedom and the homeland. America currently has more than 18.2 million veterans, about 10% of the entire adult population. Statistics show that these veterans thrive in the workforce because they bring their unique skills and leadership to nearly every industry and community in our country. It would be inexplicable (unable to be satisfactorily explained or accounted for) to consider a veteran in terms of the past tense rather than one’s continued functional capabilities in the present tense.

Bridging over into Pastoral work and other Ministry opportunities, it is equally inexplicable how the “church” overlooks those with years of experience and capabilities solely on the basis of age factors and a mental mindset of God’s servants being viewed as too old for present service. In many instances, it is a group of those who have personally sacrificed without complaint to carry on the work of the Lord for His Glory alone. 

The question persists in terms of whether or not a servant of the Lord should designate a personal time for retirement. It is interesting that the Holy Scriptures do not specify such a time. There is only one instance where it is recommended – Numbers 8:23-26. The text reads:  “The Lord said to Moses: This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting,  BUT AT THE AGE OF FIFTY, THEY MUST RETIRE from their regular service and work no longer. They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.”

Other than that, one finds men serving the Lord at different age levels – Moses was leading the children of Israel in in post-80 years and did so until he was 120; Caleb was 85 when he asked Joshua to honor Moses’ designation of his inheritance in The Promised Land (Caleb testified that he was still strong and capable as when they began the wilderness journey); and it was said of David (Acts 13:36) – “Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.”

I often think of the words of Paul and his concern – First Corinthians 9:27 – “I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” The KJV uses the words: “…lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be A CASTAWAY.” Churches should be very careful that they don’t relegate a called servant of God as a castaway. It is a sad choice being made by the “church” and limits God’s people from hearing The Word faithfully proclaimed by those – despite their age – have been there and are able to apply God’s Word factually rather than theoretically. A cautionary and instructive word – Leviticus 19:32, one is to – “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” 

Truths one should think about – and Prayerfully – Consider with me!