"Thriving During Gray-Headedness"

The psalmist likens the righteous to palm trees 'planted in the courtyards of our God.'  They "keep on thriving during gray-headedness." Another version reads:  "In old age they still produce fruit." (Tanakh) Do you not agree that this is an encouraging thought?  Graceful, upright palm trees were a common sight in Oriental courtyards in Bible times.  In addition to their decorative value, palms were prized for their abundant fruit, with some trees  continuing productive for over a hundred years.  By remaining firmly planted in true worship, you can similarly "go on  bearing fruit in every good work." -Colossians 1:10. 

Jehovah expects Christians  to produce "the fruit of the lips"-words  spoken in praise of him and his purposes.  (Hebrews 13:15) Does this apply to you ans an older person?  It certainly  does. 

The Bible contains examples of older ones who fearlessly bore witness to Jehovah's name and purposes.  Moses had already exceeded  his "seventy years" when Jehovah commissioned him as his prophet and representative.  (Psalm 90:10; Exodus 4:10-17)  Advanced age did not prevent the prophet Daniel from giving a  fearless witness regarding Jehovah's sovereignty.  Daniel was probably in his 90's when Belshazzar summoned him to interpret the mysterious handwriting on the wall. (Daniel, chapter 5) And what about the aged apostle John?  Toward the end of his long career, he found himself imprisoned on the isle of Patmos "for speaking and bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 1:9) Very likely you can remember may other Bible characters who produced "the fruit of the lips" in their later years. -1 Samuel 8:1, 10; 12:2; 1 Kings 14:4, 5; Luke 1:7, 67-79; 2:22-32. 

Next time: Conclusion of: "Thriving During Gray-Headedness

From the Watchtower magazine, 2004