CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE: AGING GRACEFULLY, CARING AS A MISSION

 Psalm 92:12-15; 1 Timothy 5:3-8; John 19:26-27

Introduction

Child of God, aging is one of the surest proofs that time marches on. Hair turns silver, joints get stiff, eyes grow dim—but our hearts can still burn bright with purpose! The assurance from God is that, "Even to your old age and gray hairs I Am He, I Am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (Isaiah 46:4)

Do you have an elderly person you care for?

Beloved, like me, do you sometimes wonder how you’ll handle aging when it is your turn?

Beloved, today’s sermonette is for all of us, young and old, because aging is not only a biological process. It’s a sacred part of our heritage. And caring for those who age is our Christian mission.

The Cry of Frailty

The psalmist in Psalm 92:12-25 reminds us of the need to age gracefully in righteousness. The older folks are a heritage. Aging gracefully is the impact one makes on the lives of society and individuals. "Like a palm tree," out of them flows many blessings. They become the living testimony of the Lord's goodness.

He sings,

 "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree...they will flourish in the courts of our God... 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.”

 (Psalms 92:12-15).

The aging are the living archives of our community. They have seen wars and peace. They have known hardship and joy. They have held families together with prayers and wisdom. 

Growing old is not a curse. It is a crown of honour. 

Aging sometimes brings feelings of fear, loneliness, and vulnerability. But hear this:

Our frailty does not erase our value. Our suffering does not cancel our story.

Honouring the Aged as Family

In 1 Timothy 5:3-8, Paul teaches Timothy that honouring the elderly, especially widows, is not optional. Caring for the elderly is a mission, our worship, and evidence of our genuine faith. 

Paul says families should be “repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God." (1 Timothy 5:4). In other words, pay back the care, love, and sacrifices they gave us, which "is pleasing to God."

Tell a short story:

I remember visiting an elderly lady in one of my monthly visits to our home-bound members. She was once a vibrant chorister, a children's service teacher, and a mother. At the age of 91, she sits in a wheelchair, mostly silent. But when we sang her favourite hymn, she smiled and said, "I am just waiting for God to call me home. But while I wait, I pray for my children, my church, Papa yourself (referring to me), and even my old schoolmates and friends."

This is aging gracefully. Still flourishing and fruitful. Still a blessing to many.

How do we treat the aging? As a burden or as a treasure?

Are we setting aside time and resources to care for them?

Are there older persons in our church or community who feel forgotten?

Precious one, I beseech you to look around you. Who needs a phone call today? A visit? A prayer? A meal? Make a conscious effort to fulfill the needs.

Jesus’ Example of Care

In John 19:26-27, Jesus, hanging on the cross, in excruciating pain, even in His dying breath, He does not forget His aging mother. He entrusts her to the care of John.

If Jesus, while saving the world, could make sure His mother was cared for, what excuse do we have for neglecting our aging loved ones?

Celebrating Our Heritage

Beloved in Christ, our elders are not a disturbance, a burden, and aging is not witchcraft or should be “leftover people.” 

They are living libraries of wisdom. Prayer warriors who have interceded for us. Bearers of history who connect us to where we’ve come from.

Proverbs 16:31 says:

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness."

Aging in faith is a heritage worth celebrating! So I challenge you, my dear reader, to see aging as graceful, not disgraceful. To remember that caring for the elderly is mission work.

How can we celebrate our heritage and care for the aged?

Here are some ideas:

✅ Visit the elderly regularly.

✅ Call and check in.

✅ Help them with errands.

✅ Bring them to church.

✅ Record their stories and testimonies.

✅ Include them in decisions.

✅ Celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries.

To those who feel the weight of aging, God has not forgotten you.

Psalm 71:9 says:

"Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone."

God promises never to abandon you. Your prayers are still powerful. Your life still matters. You are loved, and you are part of the mission.

Conclusion

It is important to celebrate and care for the aging in our society and family. Let us age gracefully, knowing our value in Christ. We must never forget that our care for the aged is our mission.

Shalom aleikhem...