Unless still living when Jesus returns, the flesh of every Christian shall die; and even in the event of a living rapture, this current body will pass away. But for the chosen children of God, death is not an issue. We know where we are going and that the end is but the beginning. There is, however, a time, if we live long enough, in which old age accumulates within the human body. The Holy Spirit writes of men growing weak with darkened vision and few grinders, of fear of heights, and of a limping walk. “Then shall the dust return to the earth,” He says.

Is this what has to be? Does old age demand that we die broken and feeble? I lack full answers on this matter. My points here are musings rather than solutions.

What is a biblical response to aging?

“ And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” Deuteronomy 34:7 (KJV).

If I should go before the Lord returns, I would like that this truth be available to my gravestone. That old age should not rob my eyes of vision or my body of vitality or my spirit of energy. That strong praise and worship should carry me to the end. This would be wonderful.

But as I review scripture, a question begs to be asked. Why Moses and not Israel?

“Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.” King James Version – Gen 48:10.

This is a strange thing that two men of God should be dealt with so differently. Both had a ragged past. Neither could claim a life absence of sin. Each could speak of a personal encounter with Almighty God. Why then did the one pass with a trembling end while the other passed with a vigorous end?

“Honour thy father and thy mother, as the thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the thy God giveth thee.” King James Version – Deut 5:16.

Scripture speaks of Jacob going to Padanaram in obedience to his parent’s desire that he not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. The Holy Spirit also speaks of a time when Jacob deliberately deceived his father. Now Moses sinned likewise, though not within the same vein. Honor of father and mother is the first commandment with a promise.

Is it possible that this direct sin against his father is what caused Jacob to pass away in the manner of natural flesh rather than in the manner of spirit and power?

I do not proclaim an answer here; I merely point out an observation.

On my mother’s side, my grandmother frail in body and mind lived long but suffered much. On my father’s side, my grandmother lived long, weak in flesh at the very end, but sharp of mind until the exact moment of passing. Both loved God, of this I have no doubts. I wish that I better knew their history.

Of one thing, I am certain, God expects us to honor our parents. I count no less than twenty times that Holy Scripture makes clear this statement. Dear children, there may be many biblical responses to the matter of aging, but obedience to our parents is primary.

Why?

Those who dishonor their earthly parents likewise disobey their heavenly Father.

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About The Author:

rmharrington is a Christian author seeking to provide quality articles, help the hurting, and draw the loss soul to Jesus Christ.

For a fictional look at the coming Tribulation, read: Distant Winds at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2515279/distant_winds.html?cat=44