DAILY?READINGS: 1 Kings 3; Jeremiah 11; Ephesians 4:17-32
I have been young and now I am old. Psalm 37:25
During his life, David had avidly pursued God’s heart—fought battles, slain giants, danced before the Lord, known passionate love and deep friendship. Now he was old—his voice for praise quieter, his hand not so strong for the sword, the fire of his vigour dimming. Old age can bring a sense of loss, of being diminished, of uncertainty about one’s value and purpose. The young can be unappreciative and dismissive. But is not old age just one last term in God’s school of faith? And there is “school work” yet to be done: counseling, teaching, praying, encouraging. And the triumph of finishing well! —S. McEachern
Jesus, my only hope Thou art, strength of my failing flesh and heart;
O could I catch one smile from Thee, and drop into eternity!
—Charles Wesley (last hymn, dictated on his death bed)