INTRODUCTION

Life is cyclical. Many of the physical challenges experienced by young children will once again be encountered by those who live long enough. As a person ages, many things taken for granted long ago in the prime of life begin to deteriorate. For instance, the Bible says that Israel’s eyes “were dim for age” (Genesis 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.
See All...), Barzillai’s hearing and taste buds were ill affected (2 Samuel 19:34-35 [34] And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem? [35] I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?
See All...), and David “gat no heat” (1 Kings 1:1Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.
See All...) as he grew old. For these reasons and others, the Bible emphasizes that aged saints are “old and well stricken in age” (Genesis 18:11Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
See All...). In other words, the passing of time or the coming of age strikes the physical well-being of the body and its physical and mental functions. This physical and mental degeneration is the fulfillment of the cycle of life as the body prepares to return to the dust from whence it originally came (Ecclesiastes 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): As our bodies grow older, we may not be able to effectively or efficiently do everything we once did. This includes driving a car, mowing the grass, chopping down trees, climbing steps, cleaning house, standing and cooking, etc, etc. Aging resulted from Adam and Eve’s sin (Genesis 2:17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
  See All...; Genesis 3:19In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  See All...). For this reason and others, it is important to work while you can. Fortunately, our bodies in heaven will be perfect (1 Corinthians 15:51-53
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Why is it so very important that people of all ages consider the implications of old age? How should this knowledge and understanding change the way we live each day of our lives?
• What are some of the things that the youngest children deal with that older individuals may also have to endure? How can this reflect the cycle of life?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you use each day to its fullest.
• Thank God for the abilities He has given you today.

HYMN

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