April 2, 2020
Since the rise of the current pandemic, our seniors have been cast in the spotlight. Chiefly so, because they are the ones who have been statistically identified as being the most susceptible to the gravest effects of COVID-19. Today, I’d like for us to reflect on the fact that they should be in the spotlight for another reason: the Church absolutely needs them! Here are four reasons why:
1. We need their prayers.
Our seniors have walked with God for some time. They have experienced his sanctifying work in their lives and have learned how to humbly approach His throne of grace, fully reliant upon his mercies, effectually praying according to His will.
In the short time that I’ve been here, I’ve seen God work in ways that can only be explained as an act of His Spirit in response to the means he has ordained to accomplish His ends, prayer (James 5:16). I’ve been to a few of the Senior Bible studies and have personally witnessed earnest prayers being lifted on behalf of certain individuals and the entire church. God has worked marvelously through the prayers of these saints. So, seniors, wherever you are, even in these times, know this, we as a church need your prayers.
2. We need their practical, biblical wisdom.
Moses was arguably one of the greatest leaders in scripture. He was someone who was audibly chosen and led by God. But guess what? If he could speak to us in person today, he would tell us that without the wisdom of a senior, his father-in-law Jethro (see Exodus 18:1-27), he would have probably continued to needlessly expend energy and strength in a very unwise manner, trying to manage everything on his own. It took the wisdom of a senior to help him become more efficient in accomplishing a task that God himself had given him.
Bruce Watke and Haddon Robinson were both seminary professors by whom I had the benefit of being taught. Both were well into their 80s when they taught me. Haddon has since gone on to be with the Lord.
I’m so thankful that these men continued to pass on their biblical knowledge and life experiences until they literally could not do so anymore. Whether through teaching a class (like Ken Utley), sharing a comment during a Bible Study, or encouraging a young woman during fellowship, every church member needs the wisdom that comes from decades of studying the Word mixed with decades of experience.
Seniors, please continue to speak into the lives of younger believers with love and truth and grace. The church needs your wisdom, biblical wisdom that only comes from years spent in the Word and walking with Christ in both life’s joys and sorrows.
3. We need their encouragement.
As senior saints, their words of encouragement matters. How impactful it is, for example, to see instances where a young sleep-deprived parent lights up because a senior, from the heart, simply says something like, “Your kids are a joy.” And how about the discouraged empty-nesters, struggling with change, who through a senior couple, rediscover hope, as they witness God’s faithfulness in marriages spanning decades of time.
As the Psalmist exclaims, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4). Dear senior, please don’t hesitate to share your stories of provision and grace and forgiveness, and to remind us of God’s goodness and faithfulness. We need your encouragement.
4. We need their presence.
Unfortunately, none of us can closely gather at this time, but when the time comes for us to once again gather as a body of believers, seniors, your presence among us is essential.
There’s something particularly special about the redeemed people of God coming together for worship and seeing a full range of age groups. There’s something about coming together to worship with people who are different than us, even generationally. That sort of diversity points to the beauty of the gospel and the glory of God. There’s just something special about knowing fellow saints who can speak of God never abandoning them through decades that powerfully reminds us of the faithfulness of God.
Considering all that I’ve stated above, I pray that we would all take some time to thank God for sustaining and keeping our seniors among us, after all, they are, our MVPs.