Thought for Today: “Never Too Old”

Reading the story of when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the temple to offer their sacrifices, there are two individuals they met up with, Simeon and Anna. We are not sure of how long they had been there in the temple, or how long they had been waiting for the coming Messiah.

The Holy Spirit had promises Simeon that he would see the Messiah before his death. After seeing the baby Jesus said, “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35)

Anna was a prophetess, and it says she was “of great age,” which they recorded around 84 years old. After her husband death, at a young age, she remained for the remainder of her life in the temple praying, fasting, and serving God. When she saw Jesus, she realized what it was for, and that is for the Messiah’s coming, the Redeemer (Luke 2:36-38).

For me, this speaks to our being used by the Lord, and that our usefulness doesn’t diminish with age, but like Simeon and Anna, even in our old age, even when we are close to death, God will use us as like never before, in that Simeon and Anna are forever recorded in God’s word for their actions. Our usefulness to God is never done until we die, and after that we’ll be with him forever young in heaven. Therefore, our final years on earth can be our best, if we devote ourselves to seeking God.

“Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing.” (Psalm 92:13-14)