“ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” - Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV) Yesterday we started teaching the principles of work and how it brings about promotion. In Genesis, the first assignment God gave to man was …
“ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”
- Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV)
Yesterday we started teaching the principles of work and how it brings about promotion. In Genesis, the first assignment God gave to man was to till the ground and tend it- work! The principle of work is as old as the earth itself. This is one of the reasons to be weary of teachings that promote indolence and mediocrity. Given the first task that God gave to man in the garden of Eden, work therefore a license to remain on earth even in old age, the work that you do might change but you must still engage in a form of work.
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it – Genesis 2:15 (NIV).
Let us look at some of the examples of men from the scriptures that transformed lives and nations by engaging the principles of work.
Moses
In Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses led Israel out of Egypt at the age of 80years and served as a prophet, a leader until age 120, with his strength and eyesight undiminished. We are not too young or old to provide leadership or engage in consulting. It is equally okay to teach and pass down knowledge to the next generation. We can write journals and document our life experiences in a book. It could turn out to be a bestseller even in our lifetime. We should never write ourselves off. We have not lost time. It is never too late to start again.
In Scripture, old age never meant retirement from purpose.
Daniel
Reading through Daniel 6, 9, and 10, as an elderly man (likely in his 80s), he served in the high government office under Darius and Cyrus while still praying, fasting, and receiving visions. Who says there is retirement from prayer and fasting? A quick self-reflection here – would you rather be governed by unbelievers and those without the fear of God? This is one of the reason Christians should not shy away from governance, especially in the political sphere. Daniel understood this principle, and he continued to offer his services via work not just under one government but three. He remained relevant throughout his lifetime, while in the land of slavery.
Sarah
In Genesis 18 and 21, she gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90 years. Yes, this is a form of work. She was still engaged in household management and hospitality. At that old age, she received strength to conceive and nurture the pregnancy and baby. Are we waiting on the Lord for the fruit of the womb? We should never allow the limitation of time to stop us from believing. It will come through.
In Scripture, old age never meant retirement from purpose. Many continued shepherding, leading, prophesying, writing, fighting battles, or praying in service to God. Their “work” may have shifted from physical to spiritual, but they remained active till the end. Do not be defined by these conventional jobs, rather our purpose in life should outlive us. Find purpose and pursue your dreams!
Song
I just wanna pour
I just wanna pour my praise on You
I just wanna pour
I just wanna pour my praise on You
Cause You’ve been better to me
Than I could ever, ever, ever repay
All that I want, I wanna do
I just wanna pour my praise on You
Pour My Praise on You – Donnie McClurkin
Prayer – Lord, I thank you for the gift of life and a new day. Help me to find my purpose and never be deterred by the limitations of space, time and matter.
Bible in 1 year: Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 9
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