The Requiest has picked up on the endless journey of a Christian’s life from Doug McHone, who in turn got his creative juices flowing from Judge Dredd. Being a younger guy, 26 years old, I have not fully been faced with the ideas of retirement (from a secular stand-point) or even really feeling the approaching end to this life. Although I do have an appreciation for and seek comfort in the future coming of Jesus Christ and rest in the assurances of ever-lasting life, knowing this is only a temporary existence.
So why do these posts stand out to me? There are several reasons. First, I believe these guys have touched on some key Biblical principles of living an ever-lasting life, both now and in the future. Secondly, I have been giving thought to my eschatological views with an REM look towards, “It’s the end of the world as we know it” (material for another post). This has been brought on by Jollyblogger’s posts on the role of politics and Christian living, and my Church has begun a series on eschatology in Sunday school. Finally, I am a member of an aging congregation and I believe we are facing the issues of retirement & withdrawal presently. How convenient of me to see other people’s flaws? Of course there is no log in my eye, right!?
I think Doug & The Requiest are right on target:
Doug, “The Lord causes rain to fall in it’s season and the harvest is plentiful wherever one goes. If a preacher is to no longer preach in the confines of a traditional corporate church, isn’t their calling to spread the gospel still active? Does the work of the Lord ever stop? If we are to be Christlike, we need to continue doing His work for the rest of our days, wherever we happen to be.”
There are obvious applications here, not only for preachers, but for the laymen as well, who is also called to serve the Lord in a very specific way according to his/her abilities.
The Requiest, “But what about after the kids have moved out and are done with college? What about after the mortgage is paid off and there really isn’t any more long term debt? What about after I’ve decided to retire? Do I still have any reason to not go into full time work for the Lord?
“When I decide to retire from the work force is when I should hire on full time to God’s work force…So my question to you is, “What are you going to do after you retire?” Will this be a time of withdrawl or a time for growth?” “
I have never taken a Hebrew class, so I really know nothing about the language. But I do have access to an Old Testament Hebrew Lexicon, and I looked up the word retire, to see its uses in the Bible. Two definitions stood out to me:
Retire (transliterated word - ‘uwz) - to take refuge, bring to refuge, seek refuge
Retired (transliterated word – Puwts) - to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered
What better place to take refuge, to seek protection from the hardships of the world, than to bath yourself in the Word and the Kingdom of God? There is no greater comfort, than the ability to trust in the promises of Jesus Christ and live your life proclaiming those truths. How more poignant can the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) be in light of the scattering and dispersion of teachers of living examples of the Holy Spirit?
Admittedly, I could be completely off with my take on the Hebrew words and their application to this topic, and would love the opportunity for correction if someone wishes to give it.
In the August edition of my church’s newsletter, Pastor [name edited out] exhorts our congregation to service in the name of Christ. “The same people (the active 10%) can not carry the whole ministry of the church on their shoulders. To be healthy means that we will make bold plans for the future, so that we can fulfill the Great Commission, and not only plan, but create ways to hold ourselves accountable for growth.” Our congregation is very fortunate to have a living example of this view of retirement and continual faithful service to our Lord, Jesus Christ, in Pastor [name edited out]. May he be strengthened in his service and ability to provide such wisdom and understanding to our faithful body of believers!
There is no end to the eternal membership in the Kingdom of God and we must live our lives in accordance with His principles and obedience to His word.
Thanks for the comment on my blog and for a great follow-up post. It's nice to see a single post about Judge Dredd expand in to 2 additional posts. Hopefully someone will pick up on yours and write their own.
Posted by: Rong at August 13, 2004 08:07 AM