IS THERE ANY PLACE OF IMPORTANT SERVICE FOR THE AGING SAINTS IN THE CHURCH?
There is a tendency to put "old folks" out to pasture. Their hearing becomes very bad. Most of the younger ones also suppose their mental capacity to be greatly diminished, and therefore their usefulness gone!
They are no longer desired for any "important" place of service.
Suppose we refute such a notion by describing a tremendously important ministry in which the older saints are the MOST qualified? A ministry which the Holy Spirit records for our admonition.
Carefully read Exodus chapter 17, in which we have the recording of two battles. First, there is a water problem. This is an attack from within (verses 1-7). This one requires the Lord's solution.
In verses 8-16 we observe another battle. There we read: "THEN came Amalak!" This involves a battle from without. What is occurring down in that valley appears to be very puzzling. It resembles, to some degree, an athletic contest much like a football game. Joshua and his army seem to be putting Amalak on the run - but then suddenly the contest
turns. Amalak now appears to be winning - pushing Joshua and his army out the other end of the valley. Back and forth this see-saw battle rages. Men, in each army, are dying, and the outcome seems very much in doubt.
Then, we notice something especially interesting. We've just been noticing three "old men", up on a hilltop. At first, we fail to make the connection, but now we notice that what is occurring on the hilltop has a definite connection with what is taking place down in the valley where the battle is being fought, and where men are dying. As the "old man", in the center, raises his hands Joshua's army puts Amalak on the run, but when he lets his hands down, the tide turns. Since he is so old, it become evident that his stamina fails him and his hands automatically drop.
Then we note that the two other men, standing on either side of him, taking hold of the hands of the man in the middle, and they hold the aged man's hands up. NOW! what occurs? Somehow, Joshua's army crushes the army of Amalak, and the battle is ended.
Although not qualified to fight in the battle down below, these two "old helpers" are discovered to be the most qualified in meeting the need on that occasion. The One upon Whom the victory depends is, of course, the Lord. But, in His pleasure, He uses Aaron and Hur in sustaining Moses in that needy hour of battle.
IS THAT A PRACTICAL LESSON HERE?
In the fall of 1944 (during my military service) Mary and I attended a service in the First Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Joe Henry Hankins pastor. We had read concerning this famous and exceptional evangelistic ministry of Dr. Hankins, and wanted to see the man of God in action. We were not disappointed.
When asked concerning the secret of the evangelistic success of his ministry, he replied: "When I stand in the pulpit to preach, there are twelve deacons on their knees in the basement."
CONCLUSION
When there is little power in the pulpit (valley of Rephidim) it is most likely because there is not anyone interceding from the place of intercession. The outcome is not so much dependent upon the physical power and skill of the soldiers on the battle field. It really is more dependent upon those "old folks" in the hill top - the place of intercession
Yours for whatever it is worth.
Lee R. Russell.