“The Golden Age” by Bro George Lee on 8th Sept 2019

The term “the golden age” originated from the Roman and Greek poets to indicate the period when human endeavours had accomplished all great things in his /her life. It also being used to mark an era when great achievements were fulfilled and people lived in prosperity, peace and pure, hence the metaphoric term ‘gold’ is used. In our context, those of us aged 60 and above now are living in our ‘golden age’. Today’s sermon focuses on the story of an old wealthy Barzillai as described in 2 Sam.19:31-39. The story was told when King David and his subjects were returning to Jerusalem from a self-imposed ‘exile’ at Mahanaim, after his son, Absalom’s rebellion failed in the Battle of Ephraim. Barzillai provided for King David and his people during the exile. Three issues we can learn from Barzillai who lived in his golden years. First, at 80 years old he had achieved great wealth to be able to provide for King David and his followers (vs 32).In today’s term, he had achieved a financial freedom at his golden years. Are we like the old Barzillai enjoying a financial independence life? The speaker testified how he failed to achieve financial freedom after struggling over 25 years of his life using “his own way”. In the end, he needs to depend on God’s providence as he lives in his remaining years as a “warga emas.” Second, Barzillai declined King David’s invitation to live with him in Jerusalem, even though the king was prepared to provide for him. He encountered much physical challenges and did not want to further burdened the King (vs 35). As we entered into our own golden age, are we becoming a burden to others? What we could have done during our earlier days to avoid being a burden to others when we live in our golden age? Finally, he was prepared to say “good-bye” and to be buried at the grave site of his parents (vs 37). Are we prepared for our own eternal salvation now as we live in our golden years? As reflection and conclusion, do we see a ‘Barzillai’ in us as we live in our own golden age? If not, we should not be despaired. As Christians, we have a King, our Lord Jesus Christ who is ever ready to provide for us only if we trust and obey Him. Besides, we need to plan and work hard in our younger days, in term of financial preparedness and healthy ageing to avoid becoming a burden to others. Finally, are we in our ‘golden age’ ready to say ‘good-bye’ and assured of our eternal salvation when the time comes?