The righteous shall still bear fruit in old age

https://odb.org/2025/01/19/still-fruitful

Psalm 92:12–15 (ESV): 12 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

I noticed that in my local church, there is a sizeable number of older folks. The children at this church enjoyed considerable academic success in the past, leading to many having migrated abroad for work. Also, as jobs are more abundant in the Klang Valley in a challenging job market, many have flund jobs and are working in KL, PJ, and the surrounding areas. They do return home most weekends. It’s just that with the younger generation only around on Saturdays and Sundays, the church has become very much a weekend church.

Church activities thus revolve around weekends and days of festivities like Chinese New Year and Christmas or long weekend breaks. It is quite a paradox as older folks have all the time in the world but perhaps not the energy or inclination while the younger ones are busy with work in another city and thus have limited time but are full of energy and drive. I guess even the mega churches in Klang Valley face the same issue of running church activities mid-week and engaging with the broader community.

God reminds us today that the righteous still bear fruit in old age. They are ever full of sap and green. In other words, old age shouldn’t hinder our service for God since we have all the time in the world. We may get tired more easily and are afflicted with ailments here and there. Yet our fire for God still burns bright and clear. Serve Him while we are still mobile as there may come a time when may face difficulty to move around or are unable to drive anymore. Do hospital visitations or meet other believers in their homes to fellowship and pray for them. Be a Barnabas to those around us. Mentor the younger ones in their spiritual walk and job careers as our spiritual wisdom and past work experience should stand us in good stead. Share how we overcome or avoid spiritual landmines and work hurdles. Share with them our past experiences with God and the Holy Spirit. There are many ways we may become a blessing to many around us!

Have a good worship service today, everyone! As we get older, it’s not the time to slow down in Christ. Continue to serve Him fervently and faithfully as the righteous shall still bear fruit in old age! Amen! Hallelujah!