"...And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old. I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming." Joshua 14:10c-11 ESV
This month we're continuing our look at the Great Commission, Jesus' command for each of us to make disciples. To start, read Matthew 28:19-20 again. Notice any conditions? What about
Jesus' other instructions to His disciples, those where He says to hate your father and mother, take up your cross, die to yourself and follow Him whatever the cost?
Do you think He only intended these commands for young people? Can you find anywhere in the Bible where God told a willing soul, "No, I won't use you. You're too old"?
Obviously, the answer is no, but unfortunately, the American Church acts like it's true. Many (American) Christians today live as if the mission to live wholeheartedly for Jesus ends at
retirement age. Rather than say, "Send me, God," it's, "I'm too old for that" or "I already put in my time."
Imagine if Enoch, Eli or Isaiah had said that. What if rather than build an ark at 500, Noah had said, "God, I'm too old for that." Suppose Daniel had decided to spend his "golden years" relaxing by the pool rather than boldly delivering God's word to pagan kings. Yeah, it wouldn't have gone well for anyone.
The white-hot passion these men had for God was unparalleled. That's why I love the story of Caleb. At 85 years old, Caleb didn't take the easy way out and try to convince God "he was too old."
No, at the young age of 85 (remember Noah and Abraham's ages when God called them), he said, "Let's do this, God. I'm ready."
Yes, God chose Caleb, but Caleb also chose God. Without hesitating, Caleb was ready to fight to his last breath if it meant obeying the One who delivered him and his people out of Egypt.
This is the kind of person today's young people need. We need heroes of the faith whose testimonies and wisdom will inspire the next generation to live for Christ. We need soldiers in Christ who are eager and willing to take up their cross, whatever their age. We need people of all ages living in reckless obedience to the One who died for us.
Without hesitating, Caleb was ready to fight to his last breath if it meant obeying the One who delivered him and his people out of Egypt.
I am blessed to have people like this in my life, people who inspire and challenge me to follow God in faith. We may come from different generations, but they are some of my closest friends. What would it be like if you looked past your age and walked alongside a young adult like these people have with me?
Once you own the fact that your age is a blessing, not a hindrance or excuse, God will open your eyes to a world He can change through you. You have wisdom to bestow, encouragement to dispense and friendship to share. The Church is full of Timothys who are searching for their Paul and the world is teeming with Gentiles in desperate need of the Good News.
Yes, you may have some years under your belt, but what is that to God? The same God who strengthened Caleb is the same God who is calling you. Will you stay seated and tell God to pick
someone younger or will you, like Caleb, praise God for the strength He has given you and join Him in this fight to win souls? Don't tap out, Caleb, our young people need you.
References:
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
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