Older Christians-Jehovah Treasures Your Loyalty -A MAN MODEST AND REALISTIC

Think back to when King David's son Absalom revolted.  David fled from Jerusalem to Mahanaim, east of the Jordan River.  There David and those with him were in need of some of life's needed essentials. Do you remember what happened?

Three men in the area generously brought beds, various food items, and needed utensils.  Barzillai was one  of these men.  (2 Samuel 17:27-29)  Once Absalom's rebellion was thwarted, David could return to Jerusalem, and Barzillai escorted him to the Jordan.  David urged him to come to Jerusalem.  The king offered, in turn to supply him with food, even though Barzillai was "a very wealthy man" and would not need the food that was offered.  (2 Samuel 19:31-33) But  likely appreciated Barzillai's qualities and any suggestions that he might have to offer.  It certainly would have been a fine privilege to live and work in the royal court!  

Being realistic and modest, Barzillai pointed out that he was 80 years old.  Then he added "Can I discern between good and bad?"  What did he mean?  Barzillai must have gained wisdom during  his long life. And he could still offer good advice, just as "older men" later did to King Rehoboam.  (1 Kings 12:6, 7; Psalm 92:12-14; Proverbs 16:31)  So Barzillai's comment about discerning good from bad may have referred to the physical effects or limits that age had brought on him. He admitted that old age had already affected his sense of taste and his hearing.  (Ecclesiastes 12:4, 5)  Thus Barzillai on his own urged David to take to Jerusalm the younger man Chimham, presumably Barzillai's Son. - 2 Samuel 19:35-40. 

Next time: Older Christians-Jehovah Treasures Your Loyalty -PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

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