Rev. David Holwick
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
June 23, 1996
2 Samuel 19:31-39
OUTLIVING YOUR FAMILY
I. We aren't getting any younger.
A. Why a sermon on old people?
1) Asked by young person (unnamed).
2) Someday we'll all be old. Every day we are in contact
with elderly.
3) Young get enough attention as it is.
B. Nations around the world face aging populations.
1) Japan and Germany are worse off than U.S.
2) Retiring "Baby-boomers" will dramatically challenge economy.
a) Social security, health care ...
C. On a more personal level.
1) Many live longer than their relationships.
2) As health gives out and finances are strained, some
waver in their faith.
D. Needs and opportunities.
1) The Bible challenges us to honor and provide for our elderly.
2) Older Christians can do things the younger ones cannot.
a) We can serve God until our number is called.
II. Older is not always better.
A. Health.
1) You can't do what you used to do.
2) Limitations and pains can be frustrating.
B. Independence and finances.
1) Elderly cherish their independence.
2) Money is not something to flaunt, but preserve.
3) Fear feeling worthless, being a burden.
C. Loneliness.
1) Outliving friends and family.
a) Or, family moves away.
b) We don't realize how much we need people until we are
all alone.
2) Depression is one of greatest problems.
a) Suicide rate very high.
D. Loss of faith.
1) Many drop out of church life.
2) Undergirdings fail - friends, church relationships, health?
3) Neglect and crises can draw you away from God.
III. The best is yet to be.
A. Prosperity.
1) Elderly used to be poor class, but no longer.
2) Huge resources available.
a) Similar to Barzillai, who was rich. 2 Sam 19:32
b) As he provided for King David, elderly can support King
of Kings, Jesus.
B. Hard-won wisdom.
1) "Been there, done that."
a) "Mountain Dew" commercial, but older ones have them
beat.
b) Miriam Armerding, wife of my college president,
has come to value integrity, honor of work, compassion.
2) Balance of perspective.
a) Barzillai knew what he faced and had sense of
peace about it. 2 Sam 19:37
C. Spiritual maturity.
1) God's promises seem more certain because tested by life.
a) Make note of how God has helped you in past.
2) Be careful not to become stagnant in Lord.
3) Pass heritage down to grandkids. Psalm 71:18
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your might to all who are to come."
D. Love and time.
1) Older people may think they have little time left, but
they actually have more time than anyone else.
a) Volunteers staff hospitals, missions, churches.
b) Evelyn Kelsall and friends fold newsletters.
2) Use your opportunities to serve.
IV. Make room for the elderly.
A. Do not forget the old.
1) Churches can provide fellowship.
2) Maintain their dignity and independence.
B. Broaden your family - include other elderly.
1) Josiah and continued prayers for "old Goldy."
V. We are never too old to grow.
A. Make new relationships as old ones fade, pass on.
1) (example of Delbert McMurtrie and friends in this church)
B. Do something new.
1) Young Sarah Holwick on old age:
"It is better to be young than old."
"Why?"
"Old people are a lot closer to being dead."
2) Old doesn't mean dead. Psalm 92:14-15
"They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay
fresh and green,
proclaiming, 'The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and
there is no wickedness in him.'"
A man retires and tells his friend he wants to go back to
college and get his degree.
Friend says, "Why would you want to do that?
You'll be 70 years old when you graduate!"
Man replies, "I never thought of that - but I'll be 70 no
matter what."
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3) Howard Hendricks, who has taught Christian education at
Dallas Theological Seminary for over forty years, has
told about an experience he had at a Sunday School
convention:
A number of the convention speakers went across the street
at noon to get a bit to eat at a hamburger stand.
The place was crowded and people were standing in line.
An elderly lady was in front of Hendricks.
He guessed she was about 65 - she was 83, he learned later.
She wore a convention badge, so he knew she was a conferee.
There was a table for four open, so Hendricks and two friends
invited her to join them.
He asked her the obvious question: "Do you teach a Sunday
School class?"
"Oh, I certainly do," she said.
He visualized a class of senior citizens, but asked her:
"What age group do you teach?"
"I teach a class of junior high boys."
"Junior high boys! How many boys do you have?"
"Thirteen," she said sweetly.
"Tremendous! I suppose you come from a rather large church."
"No, sir, it's very small," she said.
"We have about fifty-five in Sunday School."
Hardly daring to go on, he said, "What brings you to this
Sunday School convention?"
"I'm on a pension - my husband died a number of years ago,"
she replied.
"Frankly, this is the first time a convention has come close
enough to my home so I could afford to attend.
I bought a Greyhound ticket and rode all last night to get
here this morning and attend two workshops.
I want to learn something that will make me a better
teacher."
Hendricks goes on to add he heard a sequel to this story
some time later.
A doctor told him there were 84 young men in or moving toward
the Christian ministry as a result of this woman's
influence."
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C. Grow in the faith.
1) Abraham and Moses did most of their learning after age 80.
D. Endings mean more than beginnings.
1) Will you be faithful to the end?
2) Trust in Christ now.
