S) "25 But at the age of fifty years they shall retire from service in the work and not work any more. 26 They may, however, assist their brothers in the tent of meeting, to keep an obligation, but they themselves shall do no work. Thus you shall deal with the Levites concerning their obligations."
Numbers 8:25-26 (NASB)
O) Primarily, the Israelites were shepherds. They were very good at it, historically, and The LORD made them prosper, too. Some of them are also (or will be) farmers, and God gave them instructions about how to care for the Promised Land when they get there. And they were also work-aholics. God had already imposed a weekly Sabbath, forcing them to rest so that they were not completely exhausting themselves. He also set up a Sabbath for the Land, itself. All of these things, though, are primarily regarding physical rest. But, in the above verse, God is now addressing a group of workers who are not exactly doing a physically demanding job. I mean, there were parts of the work that were physical, but not to the same degree as farming or shepherding. So, there was a natural point when an old man could no longer work other forms of jobs and would naturally move into a mentoring/teaching position. But, when it comes to ministering to The LORD, that wasn't necessarily the case. So here, God imposes a retirement. Even still, it's important to note that the retirement is not a complete arrest of work. It changes, fairly significantly, but it doesn't simply end.
A) There are a lot of things I will enjoy about retirement. I will enjoy the time I get to spend with my wife. I will enjoy time with my kids (and I hope, grandkids). But one of the areas that is the most intriguing to me, is the free time to volunteer in ministry. Whether that is local, just at my church, or out in the mission field, it gets me excited to think that there are so many hours to be suddenly freed up to pursue time of ministry in capacities that have always been out of my reach. It's also worth remembering that, God sets the retirement age. Just like every other area of my life, I need to be in prayer and ask The LORD when it's time for me to retire, and work diligently until then.
P) Father, give me patience to wait for retirement. Thank You for changing and maturing my heart, when it comes to my work ethic. Continue to put the correct motives in my heart, to remember that my work is to You, regardless of whose name is on my paycheck. According to Your will, let me look forward to retirement, pondering what may come, without neglecting my work at hand. In all things, especially my work, ministry, and retirement; let me seek Your will in prayer. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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