(All Scripture References are NLT)
A few years ago, I was at a day long Men’s Retreat being sponsored by our church. We had men from several other churches as our guests.
I was in the lineup for lunch, when I overheard a couple men ahead of me speaking about retirement, and I was surprised when one said the word “retirement” is not in the Bible. I knew immediately when I heard it that it was true. I had just never considered that before.
The statement stuck with me, and I have meditated on it occasionally since then. The Patriarchs had sons and servants who did the labourious duties, and the heavy lifting. But the Patriarchs were very much in control.
Jacob, in his old age, still directed his sons. When there was a famine in the land, Jacob commanded his son’s to get food in Egypt. King David was King of Israel until his death. The point is, old age was respected, and it was not retired.
As I considered the various aspects of Retirement, other Truths became clear.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)