Opportunities for the “Very Old”

This was part of the text for my Bible study lesson this past Sunday:

In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. (Luke 1:5-7, NIV)

As I read Adam Hamilton’s commentary on this passage, I was pleased that he devoted a significant portion of his comments to the contributions that the “very old” are still able to make to the work of the Kingdom.

In reality, Zechariah (and Elizabeth) were probably at least two decades younger than I am right now. As a priest, Zechariah would have been expected to start giving up his duties at the age of 50. Of course, if someone reached the age of 60 in the New Testament world, their longevity was not only exceptional but seen as a blessing. In the Jewish Misnah, old age begins at 60; people are supposed to stand as a sign of honor when an elder comes into the room.

By the standards of their time, Zechariah and Elizabeth were “very old.” Although they had no children, friends and family knew that they had been faithful servants of the Lord and leaders in their community. Many probably expected them to phase out and enter their “golden years.” Well, God had something else in mind. God offered this couple the opportunity to be part of God’s great adventure. They would conceive and raise the herald of the long-awaited Messiah.

There comes a time when those who are “very old” should stand aside and allow others to lead, but this doesn’t mean that the adventure of over. Perhaps it is just beginning. Active and talented older adults have much to offer not only in the church, but to their families and the community as well. God seems to find a place for all of us—no matter what our age.

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