04/24/17 The Next Generation

READING: 2 Samuel 19-20, Luke 18:1-23

“Here is your servant Chimham, let him cross over with my lord the king, and do for him what is good in your sight.”

2 Samuel 19:37

The older I get, the more I think about how much life matters. Urgency increases, and silly little things that formerly mattered lose their force. People become more important than possessions. Leaving a mark that makes a difference in the next generations becomes more significant than having “stuff” to leave to somebody. And, you recognize even more that life changes in ways you cannot stop.

In today’s reading, we are introduced again to Barzillai the Gileadite, a wealthy person who “had sustained the king [David] while he stayed at Mahanaim” (2 Sam. 19:32; 17:27-29). David wanted to reward him for his faithfulness, so he invited him to move to Jerusalem with him. What must have sounded like a good idea to some did not interest Barzillai, however. After all, he was already 80 years old, and his body was showing its age. His taste buds had dulled, his hearing was not great, and he could not appreciate the finer things of royal living like he once might have. Rather than be an aged burden to the king, Barzillai simply wanted to die in his home and be buried near his father and mother.

At the same time, he wanted the king to take care of Chimham, who apparently was a relative – likely his son. David then agreed to provide for Chimham, and he “kissed Barzillai and blessed him” (2 Sam. 19:39). Thus, another generation received the blessings that Barzillai had been offered.

I don’t know all the ways that life will change for me in the future. I already know that my taste buds are changing. My wife says I’m apparently losing my hearing (at least as judged by how loud the TV is . . .). The finer things of things are nice, but they certainly don’t matter to me today as much as they once did. I love the travel opportunities I have – but to be honest, I sometimes think about living (and someday, dying) near my family. It seems that the older I get, the more I think about home.

Much remains uncertain, but here’s what I know for certain: I want to leave behind another generation that reaps God’s blessings. For those opportunities to bless others, I am most grateful.

ACTION STEPS:

  • Regardless of what age you are, give some thought to what God is teaching you as you get older.
  • Do something today that blesses the next generation.

PRAYER: “Lord, focus my sights on You alone as I get older. Help me to learn what really matters.”

TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Samuel 21-22, Luke 18:24-43

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