Isaiah 46:3-4; Revelation 21:6; Mark 7:9-13
Introduction:
Beloved family in Christ. Today, our reflective sermonette will focus on the unfailing love and care of our Lord Jesus Christ, who watches over us from the moment we are born until our final breath. This message is specially tailored to our senior citizens, who have walked many years with the Lord and have experienced His faithfulness in countless ways as we celebrate Senior Citizens Day.
Jesus Cares from Our Beginnings
The Lord's care is evident from the moment we enter this world. In Isaiah 46:3-4, God speaks to the house of Jacob, reminding them that He has carried them from the womb and will continue to be their God and carry them even to their old age and to grey hairs.
Before your first breath on earth to the moment you entered this world, the Lord’s care has been with you. In Psalm 139:13-16, David beautifully describes how God formed us in our mother’s womb, knitting us together with purpose and love.
David adds, "My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (Psalms 139:15-16)
1. Creation and Formation: We are fearfully and wonderfully made, unique in God’s eyes. Reflect on the miracle of birth and how fragile babies are through their formative stages and consider the careful planning and skills God puts into each life.
2. Early Guidance: Jesus cares for us through our families, communities, and the church, providing early guidance and nurturing our faith from childhood. Parents, households, and society play a crucial role in this nurturing process, instilling values and teaching us about God’s love. Each of us has unique experiences, but the point is that God's care has never been taken out from the very beginning of our lives.
Jesus Cares in Our Middle Years
As we grow, Jesus’ care continues to guide us through the complexities of life. He walks with us through our joys and sorrows, our successes and failures.
Jesus Cares in Our Middle Years through;
Guidance and Wisdom: Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. Jesus provides wisdom and direction as we navigate careers, raise families, and make life decisions. "For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth." (Psalms 71:5).
Comfort in Trials: In times of trouble, Jesus is our refuge. In Matthew 11:28, He invites us to come to Him, all who are weary and burdened, and He will give us rest. Reflect on how Jesus has comforted you in difficult times.
David sang this song in one of his deliverances, "God shall arise, his enemies shall be scattered, and those who hate him shall flee before him! As smoke is driven away, so you shall drive them away; as wax melts before the fire,
so the wicked shall perish before God! But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God;
they shall be jubilant with joy! (Psalms 68:1-3). God comforts us in our time of trials.
Jesus Cares in Our Later Years
As we enter our senior years, we may face new challenges—health issues, the loss of loved ones, and the feeling of becoming less active in church and community activities. Yet, Jesus’ care remains steadfast - the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
Jesus' care in our later years manifests in;
1. Sustenance and Strength: Isaiah 46:4 reassures us that even in our old age, God will sustain and carry us. Remember the ways God has provided for you and strengthened you over the years.
Jesus demonstrates His care for the elderly when He confronts the Pharisees and Scribes by reminding them of what God commands, "For Moses said, Honour your father and your mother’; and, Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ (Mark 7:10). Jesus attacks their negligence of the elderly, "Then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do." (Mark 7:12-13).
God commanded, “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:32). This is to give sustenance, strength, and protection to the old among us in the society.
Purpose and Legacy: Jesus gives us purpose at every stage of life. Our wisdom and experiences are valuable to the younger generations. The Psalmist puts it, "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." (Psalms 71:18).
Are you aging, consider mentoring younger ones, sharing your faith stories, and remaining active in prayer and service.
Jesus Cares Until the End
Jesus promises to be with us always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20). This promise gives us hope and assurance that His care will never cease.
Eternal hope is assured by the promise of eternal life. Revelation 21:6 reminds us that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, and He will give freely from the fountain of the water of life. This eternal perspective brings peace as we approach the end of our earthly journey.
Jesus’ presence brings peace. In our final days, He will be our comforter, providing the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Conclusion:
Dear brothers and sisters, Jesus’ care for us is all-encompassing, from our beginnings to our final breath. As senior citizens of Christ's Kingdom, you have a unique and valuable perspective on His faithfulness. Let us take comfort in knowing that His love and care are unchanging and everlasting. Let us continue to trust in Him, share our wisdom, and live in the assurance of His eternal promise.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unwavering care and love. We are grateful for the many ways You have guided, sustained, and comforted us throughout our lives. Help us to trust in Your promises and to find peace in Your presence. May we continue to serve You and share Your love with others until the end of our days. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
