Journal Luke 2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Sprit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus (to do for him according to the custom of the Law), he took him up in his arms, blessed God, and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your Word (received by the Spirit); for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples—a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was 84. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayers night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2:25-32 and 36-38
Observation: Does recognized, godly devotion come with years? Does the mature godly get overlooked by the enthusiastic young?
Analysis: Is being excited and enthusiastic about Jesus exclusively a young man’s sport?
Anyone with half a mind would say “Of course not!!” Yet, from an old guys perspective, does the thought have traction? All anyone has to observe is what is celebrated.
My bet is that Simeon and Anna were slogging out their walk in God mostly by themselves. And yet, the Holy Spirit was upon them with power—even before Pentecost. How is that? The above Scriptures indicate Devotion.
Devotion is not a subject that gets mentioned a lot. Think about what does get mentioned and it is evident that Activity is a prime component.
Here is another: Youth is celebrated; not so much Age. When is the last time Youth has been encouraged to consult with Age? Encourage to talk? Spend time? Mostly Youth can be defensive about their age (“Let no one despise you for your youth…”) but forget the rest of the sentence, (“…but set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, purity…” 1 Tim 4:12)
I am fully aware that a ton of old guys (including me) fail in being an example to follow. However, the example may be only that we are walking the walk for a very long time.
Take advantage of the godly Aged among you.
Prayer: Father, my ambitions are changing the older I have gotten. Doesn’t mean that the ambitions of my youth are less intense, just tempered with patience in You. I look for the salvation you have promised, and my hope is always in You.
AMEN
Rick Sutton