Peaches and Prunes - Pt 4

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:1-6 ESV). Negative stereotypes portray older people as unproductive, “out of it,” stubborn, senile, and often merely hidden away in nursing homes. The truth is there are very few that really fit these descriptions. Most of the AARP generation are relatively healthy and engaged with life. Both Mary and I will have birthdays this summer. Hers is in just a few days and mine is in August. I will be 67 this birthday. I was told not long ago by my brother, who is just four years my junior, that was “really old.” And, I must admit that I really didn’t expect to make it to this age. However, I’m doing pretty well. It’s not nearly as bad as I might have imagined when I was in my forties! In fact, as with more recent, fashionable stereotypes that show older people as exuding health, being engaged, productive, and self-reliant, I find this time in my life as much fun as not. There is a danger to both extremes of the view of older people being either “really old” or active and engaged without any handicaps. Carole Stoneking said, “In place of [faith] and divine grace, scientific knowledge and professional expertise are now offered as the path to salvation.” Real life is exemplified by the old man sky diving or the old woman jet skiing. Well, there are some who fit this picture. Though there are more that don’t than do. Neither overly positive nor excessively negative stereotypes of aging are helpful. We should lose both the phony pessimism and the phony optimism of these extremes. Getting older is neither of these for most of us. God does offer us an important clarity and strength for aging well. It is found in a consistent, confident faith in his provision and provenance. It’s the same hope that sustained the heroes of faith pictured in our reading today and the full listing found further in Hebrews 11. Let me suggest some options. You can see aging as a problem that only medicine and technology can cure. You can try to follow the advice of every “expert” on TV or the internet. Or you can see aging as a God-given experience to be lived gracefully, as a “pilgrim of hope.” I think the latter is much more fun! It’s a “peachy” way to live life!