Daniel was in his 80’s when God gave him visions with prophecies. John was in his 90’s when he received prophecies concerning the end days… our book of Revelation. Moses was 80 when God put before him the job of a lifetime. Sarah was 90 when she gave birth to Isaac, the one who would be an integral part of God’s redemptive purposes. Elizabeth was old and long past child-bearing years when she gave birth to John the Baptist, the one who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
One of the most endearing stories is in Joshua 14, when we read about an encounter between Joshua and Caleb. These two were the only ones to enter the Promised Land because of their faith. By the time we get to Joshua 14, years had passed since those early days. Joshua had successfully led the Israelites to conquer the land. Now, he’s dividing up the land and he gets a visitor. Caleb comes to claim what was rightly his. He says to Joshua, “Please give me the land God promised. I’m 85 years old and just as strong today as I was back then.” But here’s the thing... the land he was asking to conquer was a difficult piece of land. There were people occupying that land who would not go down without a fight. Yet, Caleb sought it in his old age.
Our verse today shows that wisdom is valuable to God. Perhaps this is why God gives such important work to the aged… because they have wisdom, something the younger ones lack. We may want the strength we had when we were younger, but wisdom is much more valuable to God than physical strength. I started Solid Truth Ministries almost thirty years ago. And I feel like we’re just getting started. We are tackling tough books like Revelation and Daniel. We have a new website, an app (yay), daily devotionals, and our Tribe is growing. At one time, I would bring a new Bible study every few years. My goal now is to bring a new Bible study every year. I feel like we’re moving at breakneck speed. Solid Truth Ministries is home to so many of you and I pray God will make it home to more.
You are valuable to God. Your wisdom God wants to use. So, let me encourage you to ask God what’s next. Lord, what would you have me do? Your life experiences, knowledge of His Word, faith that’s grown over time, and your years of devotion to God are treasures to others… weaker Christians, new Christians, and those who are just starting out. Let’s be a John or a Daniel, or a Moses. Hope this encourages you today.