TEXT:

‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken-hearted and to announce that captives shall be released and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to him’ (Luke 4:18-19 TLB)

These verses prophesied how Jesus would start His ministry, but it was the same at the end. What do you expect when approaching retirement from a job, church ministry, or nearing the end of your life? You don’t have to be an old person to reach that point, because Jesus was just 33 years old when He died.

The elderly and housebound often ask, “What can I do?” The answer is, “Plenty!” Jesus said, ‘I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work’ (John 9:4). The Holy Spirit reminded me how Jesus acted at the end of His life on earth and we can do the same.

1. Pass on what you know

Jesus was continually sharing with His disciples about principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. Shortly before He was arrested, His focus was on two main themes:

• His return and the end of the world – See Matthew chapters 24 and 25

Jesus taught the importance of staying true and faithful while waiting for His return and not being deceived by world events or false teaching.

• The role of the Holy Spirit as His replacement – See John chapters 14, 15 and 16

Jesus also emphasised this after His resurrection. He repeatedly stressed the need to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Elderly believers have life experiences which need to be passed on to the younger generation. Don’t keep it to yourself. Biblical truth is meant to be shared, ‘You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others’ (2 Timothy 2:2 NLT).

2. Keep listening to the Holy Spirit – ‘He will tell you things to come’ (John 16:13)

Jesus was about the experience the cross, yet He was able to tell Judas He knew that he was about to betray Him. He was also able to warn Peter he would deny Him three times. These revelations came from the Holy Spirit. Both Jacob and Moses ended their lives in a positive way, prophesying about the future of the Children of Israel. You may be cut off from the world because of sickness and infirmity, but you are not cut off from God! Some of the best times of revelation have come during the worst trials of life.

3. Keep caring for people

As they nailed Jesus to the cross, He was saying continually, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing’ (Luke 23:24 NLT). Looking down from the cross He saw Mary His mother and said, ‘”Woman, here is your son”. Then to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment the disciple accepted her as his own mother’ (John 19:26-27). When the criminal crucified with Him cried out, ‘Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom’, Jesus replied, ‘Today you will be with Me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:42-43). Jesus’ love for people never diminished, even when in great need Himself. It’s much easier to minister to people when they know we really care.

Even when Jesus was arrested, He healed the servant’s ear that Peter had cut off with a wild swing of his sword. Can you bless the very ones who are hurting you? Richard Wurmbrand’s wife Salina testified, “Since becoming a Christian, I have only kissed two men. My husband and the man responsible for the murder of my family.” It was only the love of God that enabled her to be able to forgive.

It’s sad when housebound believers, who once faithfully supported their pastor, never even get one visit. When isolated and forgotten, it’s very easy to catch the “Me-Me” disease. No one phones me, no one visits me, no one cares about me! Then when someone does, it can take ages to get away afterwards because they are so desperate to talk!

What’s the antidote for this dreaded “Me-Me” disease? It is simply this: who can I pray for today? Who can I phone today? Who can I bless today? The chemist, doctor’s surgery and hospital are full of people with little or no hope. You may be there for their benefit, not just your own. Look around for the one who needs a “Today” word of encouragement. It will lift them and yourself at the same time. If we choose this prescription, it won’t be long before we have a sense of purpose and ministry and start seeing miracles again!

4. Know when to keep silent – ‘“Why don’t you talk to me?” Pilate demanded. “Don’t you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?”’ (John 19:10 NLT)

Jesus said, ‘But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit’ (Mark 13:11 NLT). It’s so easy to protest our innocence, shout about the injustice, and sometimes we end up blaming God for not delivering us.

Jesus’ silence was just as miraculous as when He spoke with authority. His silence caused Pilate to be afraid. The man with the power unsettled by the One who said nothing. Godly silence can create an air of invincibility. The Bible says, ‘You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry’ (James 1:19 NLT).

These four qualities which Jesus displayed throughout His life and particularly at the end, shine out in a world darkened by selfishness, anger and pride. If the ministry and the miracles have dried up for us, it’s time to check our own behaviour. There’s nothing like a little love to get things flowing once again!