An Old Man In a New Position

 Moses was an old man by 21st century standards when he received the call from God to lead a nation of people out of slavery and into the Promised Land. Exodus 3-4 is the Biblical account of Moses' call by God at the burning bush and his subsequent ascension into the leadership position and savior to over a million Hebrew people. As I reread the account in Exodus, I was struck by the fact that Moses tried 3 tactics trying to persuade God to send someone else, He said: I'm not believable, I'm not a good speaker, and I really don't want to do this. God had an answer for each of his positions: I will make you believable with signs and wonders, I will speak through you, and I will send your brother with you as a helper. Moses eventually listened to God and became the leader he was meant to be.

This is such a familiar story to many people and as a child and young adult, I felt that Moses should have jumped at the opportunity to be God's Man, after all, God was going to be the life and power behind Moses. What a wonderful opportunity for Moses to be right in the front row and observe God at HIS VERY BEST! What amazing timing for a wonderful resume!
As I have aged and am now a 70-something, a new understanding has emerged. Moses was tired! He had a slow job watching sheep with 40 years of experience, after all he was 80 years old. Physically and medically, Moses was in the last trimester of his life. Testosterone levels were at an all-time low, muscle and bone mass were decreasing, and he was tired. Did I say he was tired? As a 70-something, I have begun to experience all of these symptoms and now have the utmost respect for Moses and the job for which God was calling him.
Moses stated all of the reasons for NOT doing the job; God gave him the reasons that he SHOULD do the job, and Moses accepted the responsibilities thrust on him, then depended on God to be the power and strength behind the mission. This says much for an 80 year old; he was willing to start a new vocation at his age in life. I still believe he was tired and had to rest frequently. As a tired 70-something, I think that I am ready to follow God into a new calling! The spirit is willing, the body is tired and running down, but I still wonder what God has for this 70-something? God, if YOU are ready then I am...Ready....Set....Go!
Ken

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