1st July 2022
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
“…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:20 (NIV)
Recently I was visiting an elderly gentleman for whom I have a great deal of affection and he lamented, ‘I never thought I would end up like this.’ He was struggling in old age with a body that no longer did as he wanted, even walking was becoming difficult. He had been a strong and capable man, providing for his family, holding down a good job and the person others often came to for help. He was a leader in the church and was well respected. He had been used by God to share the gospel with many people and what a joy that had been. He felt he was a needed and valued member of church and society.
But now all that seemed to be gone, along with his health and his self-esteem. He was asking questions such as, ‘What good am I? What purpose do I serve?’
Some of us might be able to relate to this as we face advancing years. But if you are not one of them, I say – just give it a few more years and you will be! Time stands still for no man or woman.
The scriptures tell us that God doesn’t love us or value us because of what we do for him or others. It doesn’t matter what job or position we have held or not held.
Salvation is not dependent on how useful we are or what we have done. It is a free gift from our elder brother Jesus Christ. Our value is in the fact that we are a dearly beloved child of God, and our heavenly Father has written our names in heaven. He has engraved them on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:16), close to his heart. We are of infinite value and always will be.
We understand that Jesus lives in us and it is his love that compels us to reach out and serve others as long as we are able but, when that time is over, being able to graciously accept the help of others is also a loving act. If there is no one to help, whom can others serve?
Letting our needs be known and allowing others to serve us is humbling but holy and, in many ways, it is the more difficult thing to do. Maybe that’s why God waits for us to reach maturity in our later years before allowing us to experience it, but also to enable us to continue serving, from a new mellowed perspective, and in other equally fruitful ways. We can never underestimate the power of prayer, the benefit of wise counsel, or the effect of an encouraging word from a seasoned and experienced soul.
Prayer
Our loving Father in heaven, give us joy in our latter years as we learn ways in which we can still serve others with your love. Bless us with you grace and humility so that we may accept help offered by others and grant us peace in the knowledge that we are greatly loved by you and that our value rests in being your children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Jackie Mill
About the writer:
Jackie Mill is a Minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Co-Pastor for Scotland and Ireland.
Local congregation:
GCI, Edinburgh – Edinburgh has a zoom service at the moment. For details email the local congregational contact below.
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church