from war. Here was a man who brought forth fruit in his old age Psa. 92:14). Could this be said of us? Even in his old age Caleb was not afraid to stand fast for God. The Bible says that he was very successful when it came to military ability. Scripture says that "he drove out the enemy." He was not afraid to tackle odds that seemed humanly speaking, overwhelming. His battle was justified; it was a conflict that had to be fought. Like Caleb, every follower of the Lord spiritually must battle the enemy (Ep. 6:12). We are to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. None of us is "draft ex empt." Thank God for those today who are driving out the enemy in their old age. For though our out ward man perish, yet in inward man is renewed day by day (II Cor. 4:16). We can be "more than con- querers" through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:37). Old age does not have to be a period of inactivity. It should be filled with glorious service for Je sus Christ, even though you may be retired. These can be the great est years of your life. Some mis sionary organizations have put old er men and women on mission stations where they have been able to utilize their post-retirement years with work which relieves that service of other ambassadors of the cross. This ministry could include visiting the sick, outreach pro grams, or in areas of labor pursued before retirement here at home. In fact, some people testify that their greatest years in service for the Lord were not until after they had retired. This was certainly the case with Caleb. By following the Lord
Shirley Leighton is Secretary to Dr. Chase, Biota’s President. Her husband, Arvid, is the new Director of Correspondence and a student at Talbot Seminary. he may face. These can take on various forms depending on many different circumstances. As we get older some experiences can be come more pronounced From the Old Testament we considered the life of Caleb (Josh. 14) who re ceived as his inheritance for faith fulness in the area of Hebron. This was doubtless a very fruitful part of Canaan just south of Jerusalem. I can imagine how this faithful saint treasured the promise of the Lord. He was not a wanderer, he was a follower of God. He did not ques tion the divine guidance. If you maintain close fellowship with the Lord, you can surely spend your closing years as Caleb did in fruit fulness. In Josh. 14:13-15 we find the blessing that is pronounced on Ca leb as they enter the land to rest Page 56
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