They minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard, but they shall do no service. Numbers 8:26
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today, 8:23-26, we see the Lord give instructions to Moses to retire Levites beyond age 50. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God instructs Moses that Levites over 50 years old retire from service in the tent of meeting (tabernacle). V26 includes an apparent contradiction where the text says that while they are to "serve no more" (v25), they are to "minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard." We should be careful to read into the text that retirement - where we no longer serve - is biblical. A quick search of scripture does not reveal anything further in the Old Testament about retirement and both Old and New Testaments are replete with examples of biblical heroes serving God well into their advanced years. Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born (Genesis 21:5) and soon thereafter (Genesis 22), we see the well read text where Abraham was obedient in following God's instruction to sacrifice Isaac (until God stopped him). It is estimated that Paul was in his mid-to-late 50s when he was arrested and sent to Rome and during this time he authored his prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). John was certainly in his advanced years when he wrote Revelation during his exile in Patmos. On the subject of retirement, DesiringGod.com warns us to not let these years go to waste as John Piper shares his perspective in this short ebook.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: We all know believers who focus primarily on earthly endeavors during retirement (travel, golf, leisure, etc.) and this is not God's intention or desire.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid an earthly focus during retirement years. Claim the promise that God uses people of all ages and abilities in His service. Follow the example of Abraham, Paul, John and so many others to follow, serve and be obedient to Him during our advanced years. Run the race until its completion when you meet God face to face in Heaven - keep running.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
