Mourning Has Ended – Deutronomy 34:8

“Mourning Has Ended”
“And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of
Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for
Moses were ended. ” Deutronomy 34:8

We all know it is appointed where and when we should
die. Acts 17:28a says, “For in him we live, and move, and
have our being; … ” Life and death are in God’s hands.
However, I wonder how many times we have witnessed aged
people survive their work and their wisdom. I imagine some
reading this, if you would be honest would say, “Yes, I have
seen leaders, pastors, coaches, and etc ., who were once able,
energetic, enthusiastic, healthy and efficient holding on to
their pulpit or positions to the injury of the church or team they
once edified.” Some stay until they die and the church
oftentimes dies with them. Would to God, leaders would have
enough wisdom not to undo in their old age, what they
accomplished in their youth.
Nobody should ever get the idea they are indispensable or
irreplaceable (see Rom. 12:3). Ponder this phrase found
seven times in Numbers 4: “from thirty years old and upward
even unto fifty years old.” Read it for yourself and ask
yourself why the Levites were supposed to retire at the age of
fifty and serve no more, according to Number 8:25. I suppose
the younger men were more fit and able to move the
Tabernacle and its furnishings through the wilderness
wanderings, for one thing. I think the Levites over fifty
advised and counseled the younger men. I wonder if today’s
youngsters would even listen … food for thought!
May our gracious Good Shepherd “teach us to number
our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psa.
90:12). – G.T.

Prepared by Roger Fulk, from excerpts from the “Baptist Bread” September 23, 2024, devotional by author GARY TROUT, Pastor, Bellpoint Baptist Church, Hinton, WV. With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread. The Baptist Bread