MAR 25

Ecclesiastes 12:3-7
Memorise Psalm 71:18
"the years draw night, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them"

WHAT IS OLD AGE LIKE? (I)

In the next few verses, Solomon will talk about a time after youth that ultimately ends in our death – the time of old age. He says so in light of the advice gave to the youths in Ecclesiastes 12:1. He told them that as long as we are still young, we must do all we can to remember the Lord and serve Him, for there will come a day whereby age will catch up, and all the ailments, aches and pains will come, and it will no longer be so easy to remember and serve the Lord anymore.

He employs a lot of imagery to describe what this period of old age will be like: The keepers of the house are like the arms that will weaken and begin to tremble. They no longer have the strength to do things like they used to. Similarly, the legs who were once like strong men, will begin to bow themselves, unable to support the weight of the body. Simple tasks like walking up and down stairs will become a huge struggle, and even standing up for long periods of time will cause the legs to bow themselves over. The teeth will cease from grinding, and many will fall off. Eating will no longer be an enjoyment but a chore. Those that look out of the windows are as the eyes which shall be darkened, as cataract, longsightedness and other diseases of the eyes cause the eyes to grow dim and lose their effectiveness.

The doors in the streets are like the mouth which serves as the doorway to the body. They shall be shut up, as both speech and eating are impaired. Appetites will wane, because as the grinders which are few will also find it hard to chew things. The old man will not be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep, but will wake up easily, rising up at the voice of the bird. Though he is woken up easily by sounds, he also cannot enjoy the sounds, for his hearing is also affected, in that the daughters of music are brought low.

Through the first two verses, we already see an image of a man whose physical capabilities are seriously affected, and many of the things which he used to enjoy and take for granted are gone. Dear teen, does this not teach us to cherish and appreciate your youth and health while you still have it?

Thought: What aspect of old age do I fear the most?
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand the plight of the elderly people around me, and may You use me to encourage their hearts in the midst of their difficulties.