His melodious voice filled the venerable concert hall. I was viewing a concert by one of the greatest singers of the twentieth century. Although the performance was lovely, it was a bittersweet moment for me. I have listened to numerous recordings of this great artist. This concert was recorded near the end of his career. He sang with great emotional energy but his voice could no longer carry the familiar tunes that endeared him to so many.
If one were to judge his singing abilities on this performance alone, it would be mediocre at best. However, this would be unfair. He may have been a shadow of his former self but the audience and his millions of fans were there because of a lifetime of artistry and excellence that earned him his stellar reputation. His will and passion were unabated.
It is not only singers. Great leaders sometimes experience a decline in their power toward the end of their reigns. The Bible records the declining power of several great saints like King David who was continually shivering with cold in his old age. Isaac was nearly blind and feeble. While their physical strength was diminished, their spiritual power and energy were unabated. This physical decline is not inevitable. It is encouraging that at the end of his life, Moses was still vigorous.
So Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, just as the LORD had said. The LORD buried him in a valley near Beth-peor in Moab, but to this day no one knows the exact place. Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear, and he was as strong as ever.
Deuteronomy 34:5-7 (NLT)
Moses was a great leader. He led the nascent nation of Israel out of slavery in Egypt and took them to border of Canaan and the land promised to them by God. At an age that most of us will probably never attain, Moses was still going strong!
As we age, many of us may lose the strength and power of our youth. If this happens, pray that God will preserve your will and passion to serve Him. Delight yourself in God’s Word and He will prosper you.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
Psalms 1:3 (NLT)
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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