MODELS OF IMPACT IN OLD AGE (3)

“Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished” – Deuteronomy 34:7

Moses not only stood for Impactful leadership; he ranks among the noteworthy MODELS of IMPACT in OLD AGE: “Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished” (Deut.34:7). Moses counts among unique seniors in Scripture who interest, instruct, and inspire us – remaining champions of faith even in their “winter” years. Moses’ 120 life-span separates neatly into three periods of forty years each: as a grandson of Pharaoh in Egypt; as a keeper of sheep at Horeb, and as the leader of God’s people through Sinai – a divinely-patterned life!

The leadership lessons exhibited and taught by Moses are legion, yet when looking to select role models for the old, most preachers skip Moses, in deference for Caleb for one single might deed, or old Simeon for one moment in time in the Temple! Moses’ age seems not to have been a factor in any part of the story as he led Israel through the wilderness wanderings and finally up to the back door of Canaan. Quite the opposite, despite his age and physical limits, Moses led the Israelites under extreme conditions. He was a leader who guided God's people, enduring their complaints and demonstrating patience.

The Lord chose the 80-year-old, not the 40-year-old, because the older Moses knew his weakness was a platform for God’s Strength. The older Moses must have struggled with the pains and infirmities of the elderly. Plus, he had few role models, no Scripture, carnal assistants, and a rebellious congregation, yet he persevered. Through pestilences and wars, through victories and sufferings, Moses led the people, staying by the job for a fully forty years! When a group of popular leaders self-appointed themselves and confronted him with their own agenda, announcing that all the people were holy, not just him, and accusing him of exalting himself above the assembly, Moses fell on his face and gave the matter to God, Who judged swiftly (Num.16).

Deuteronomy 34:10 says, “But since then there was not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face”! Moses is not a notable model of impact merely because he lived a long life. There were others who did, but didn’t make the role-call of Faith-champions. There was Eli, the high priest who made a lousy job of raising his sons. There were Moses’ siblings Miriam and Aaron who resented all the attention the younger brother was getting and wanted honours of their own. Moses’ undiminished vitality at 120 years testifies to God’s sustaining power on his meek and faithful servant (Num.12:3). God provides strength and vitality to those who serve Him faithfully – who commit to Impactful Living and Service even in Old Age!