Reluctant Retiree

Nowadays when I walk, I generally don’t carry anything with me. But I used to trek through the mountains carrying a heavy backpack. Sometimes the load was just too heavy. At those times I counted on my friends to help me out by carrying my backpack, at least for a while.

Every year in May, many people attempt to climb Mt. Everest. They have to climb in stages, often going back down to the previous level after climbing a ways. This helps them adjust to the altitudes. All along the way, the native Sherpa people carry the heavy loads of supplies and equipment. Without the Sherpas, the climb is nearly impossible.

When the burdens of life weigh us down and become difficult to carry, Jesus promises to help. In Matthew 11:28 He says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Whatever troubles us, Jesus offers to grab our backpack of problems and carry it for us. We just have to trust Him with the cargo.

I have never been a particularly clever man. I don’t have the ability to design plans to manipulate people and circumstances. On the job, this disability probably held me back some, as I was not effective in office politics. My ineptitude also hinders me in social situations as I am unable to understand the dynamics of groups.

My disfunction doesn’t bother me in most situations. I don’t want to step over or on people to get ahead. I am satisfied with who I am. However, there are some situations where I wish I was more clever. When I am counseling or mentoring someone, I would like to know how to motivate the other person. I enjoy those situations and have had some success, but want to be better.

Obviously, Jesus was in this situation often. Matthew 10 tells us the story of Jesus sending His disciples out to proclaim the kingdom of God. He gave them these instructions: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” He wants them to live lives of integrity so that their message can be received. And He wants them to be wise, so that their message is understood. Jesus is calling all believers to speak the gospel to others. While we share His message, we must live righteously and speak wisely.

In my younger years I hated going to the doctor. It was so bad that my parents said I cried even when going to the barber shop. After all, the barber wore a white coat like a doctor and used cutting devices.

In my advanced years, I have come to appreciate doctors more and readily go when I need to. I need their knowledge and expertise for healing. They use these skills to recommend treatment to make my life better.

Jesus was often criticized for spending time with the social outcasts of His time. On one such occasion Jesus responded to the critics by saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” These leaders thought that they were righteous because they followed rules. Jesus was telling them that their rules would not make them righteous. Only a heart that has received mercy and therefore gives mercy to others is then considered righteous.

We can’t depend on our so called good works to make us righteous before God. Instead we must receive His mercy to forgive our sins, making us righteous. Then we will show mercy to others, rather than judge them based on our preferred rules.

While I was in Nepal I went on many treks through mountain passes. Only one thing bothered me, the pedestrian bridges. I was not affected by the altitude. Crossing rivers on foot didn’t phase me. Long distance walking was not a problem. The bridges, however, really got to me. Their construction strength was suspect, tomeat least. You could see through the slats to the valley floor or the raging water beneath you. And the wind through the valleys made the bridges sway. I had a healthy respect for the dangers, but I was able to cross each bridge on the paths. The Bible talks about the fear of the Lord. Fear, in this case, is the healthy respect for God’s power and authority. It entails submission to His authority and surrender to His will. Proverbs 9:10-11 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”Submitting our lives to God actually adds years to our lives. Knowing God gives us insight to live holy, fruitful lives. Fighting against God will only lead to ruin, as you will be judged for your unrighteous works.

It doesn’t surprise me that as I get older I will suffer more pains and health issues. Yet, whenever a new health concern arises I am surprised by the way I feel at the time. Last year I went to the Emergency Room twice with a rapid heartbeat. I didn’t know how that felt until it happened to me. NOTE: It doesn’t feel good and is dangerous. Two years ago I had brain surgery to remove a tumor. Again, until it happened I had never experienced it before. So I begin to wonder what other new experiences are in my future.

No matter what health issues may come, I know that Jesus has power and authority over the disease. Matthew 8:16-17 says, “That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: ‘He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.'”

He may choose not to heal me, but I know that He will give me peace, patience and endurance through the suffering. He will not leave me or forsake me in the trial. In fact, He will bear the burden of my disease and oppression.