The man in today's verse, Barzillai, became a friend of King David when David was in dire need of help. There are only a few verses dedicated to his story.
David was being persecuted by his own son. He was in exile. This elderly man, Barzillia, could not help David by serving in his army, but he did what he could. He brought the King food and supplies.
“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.“ (Galatians 6:10 NLT)
Barzillai didn't ask for anything in return, he simply gave what he had to help the King. As a reward for his help, David offered to take Barzillai back to Jerusalem with him, but the old man declined. When David was back in power he rewarded the sons of Barzillai, because of their father’s help.
God used the elderly man to keep David alive so he would return to Jerusalem and resume his rule of the nation. Although David was a mighty warrior, he was humbled to receive assistance from a man who could no longer serve in the army.
“Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.“ (Proverbs 16:3 NLT)
Age should never stop us from serving the Lord. He is pleased to take what anyone has, and use it to work out His sovereign plan.
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.“ (Colossians 3:23-24 NLT)
If you're submissive to the Lord, He can use you to do things to help others. Perhaps you could write cards of comfort to others, make a phone call to someone who is hurting, or speak kindly to someone who suffers. Plus, everyone can practice the power of prayer!
“Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.“ (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NLT)
Never think that because you're older that life has passed you by. Or if you're younger never think lightly of the elderly among us.
“And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ“ (Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT)
There is work for all of us. Let us be about our Master’s business.
