If you live so long, one day you will be a senior. Many seniors have been robbed of purpose; they have been overlooked because they live in a world focused on the young. Some have lost vision for the call of God on their lives and have spiraled downward into a maintenance-only mode. The twilight years, however, need not be a season of quiet waiting, simply watching the inevitable going down of the sun. The twilight years may be a new dawn where one wakes up to a more powerful move of the Holy Spirit. There are none in the world more beautiful or effective then Spirit-filled seniors. They walk in the wisdom that comes from above, in the love that comes from a pure heart; they carry a grace, not of themselves. I stand in awe at the powerful anointing of Spirit-filled seniors.
Examples of powerful Spirit-filled seniors are given throughout the scriptures, and history books are filled with their stories. From the first chapters of the Bible to the book of Revelation we discover great seniors who could have been overlooked. God, however, would not allow it; He understands that physical tiredness can be overcome by Holy Spirit anointing.
God knows that character, obedience, faith, and patience are gained from a lifetime of fellowship with Him and these are the qualities He looks for. It is not that youth or people of middle age cannot possess these qualities, they often do, but Spirit-filled seniors walk these paths more consistently. They have learned to count their days and to apply their hearts unto wisdom. They know that life is short and they want what they have left to count for God. That is why they wait upon the Lord and He renews their strength. They rise up with wings of eagles, they run and are not weary; they walk and do not faint. Praise God for Spirit-filled seniors.
In a more perfect world, before the flood, men lived for hundreds of years. The longer they lived the more they were able to walk in harmony with God. Noah, Enoch, and Methuselah are a few of these examples.
After the flood, people did not live so long but seniors were still cherished by the Lord. He continued to seek out seniors for service.
Moses, it seemed, was put out to pasture until God called him in his senior years. By the time he discovered the burning bush, frail humanity had caught up with him. He was weak, he stuttered and he had lost his confidence. He asked God to send someone else to deliver Israel from the Egyptians. God allowed him a partner, Aaron, his older brother. The two of them were 80 and 83 years of age when they stood before Pharaoh and spoke those powerful words, “Let my people go.” Moses was a senior who led millions to freedom and became the most revered leader of the Jewish people.
Joshua was about forty when his mentor, Moses, led the children of Israel across the Red Sea. Joshua was a man full of faith but it was not until he reached his mid 80’s that God brought him to his finest and most significant years.
Joshua and Caleb were the only two representatives of the 12 tribes to demonstrate faith when they spied out the promise land.
Listen to the words of Caleb, “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me to Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the Lord wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked shall be your inheritance.’” Josh. 14:7-9
Unbelief caused the Hebrews to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until all in Moses’ and Joshua’s generations died. Caleb was 85 before receiving his inheritance. Have you received yours?
When Joshua and Caleb were 85, they led the Jews into the promise land. They were heroes, warriors, pioneers and they were seniors.
We read Caleb’s words, “So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out: I am just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day.” … “Then Joshua blessed Caleb … and gave him Hebron as his inheritance.” Josh. 14:10-13
The phenomena of seniors serving God is not relegated to the Old Testament alone. The New Testament opens with Elizabeth, the senior citizen giving birth to John the Baptist. She prophesies over Mary and plays a powerful role in the purposes of God.
Then the Lord chooses 2 seniors to welcome and prophesy over the baby Jesus. Luke tells their story.
He says, “There was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon… It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. … Simeon took Him [baby Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: ‘Sovereign Lord, … you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ … Then Simon … said to Mary his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.’” Luke 2:25-35
Besides Simeon, Anna who was also a senior participated in the event.
“There was also a prophetess, Anna … She was very old … a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying … she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:36-38
Between these 2 seniors, Simeon and Anna, the necessary prayers and prophecies were spoken. Only then could the will of God (for the Savior of the world) proceed. God’s plans are never set in motion until someone, led by the Holy Spirit, prays or prophesies. The Lord often uses seniors
The dedication and commissioning for the ministry and life of Jesus was entrusted into the hands of 2 Spirit-filled seniors.
Last, but not least, we look at the book of Revelation. It is the most important prophecy for the end of the age. It describes the defeat of the devil and the release of all of God’s blessings on the church. This, the most powerful of all prophecies, was given to John, only after he became a senior.
The book of Revelation was too important to be given to a younger person. The Apostle John was about 85 years old when the Lord gave him the book of Revelation.
If you are a senior or soon will be, watch and pray! God will use a Spirit-filled senior like you when important matters are at hand.
Rise up seniors, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and discover the dawning of a new and powerful day.
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