Read Psalm 71:7-16. 7I have been as a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge. 8My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. 9Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. 10For my enemies speak concerning me; those who watch for my life consult together 11and say, “God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver him.” 12O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! 13May my accusers be put to shame and consumed; with scorn and disgrace may they be covered who seek my hurt. 14But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. 15My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. 16With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
Growing old is not only an invitation for our own bodies to betray us, but also the people around us. As David’s physical power fails his enemies are pursuing him and maligning his character. But David’s faith refuses to falter. His finishing well will be a portent, a warning, to those that would malign the King and thus his God. His praise will rise in resolute defiance against any desire he might have to fade away. No. He will not be silent. He will praise more and more. He will not be shut in. He will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord. He will not forget. He will remind of God’s righteousness alone.
What will your second half look like?
How will you finish the race?
Have you thought about it? Will your resolve to tell of the mighty deeds of our Lord carry you along? Will hope continue when your body can’t? Will your praise be the last to die? Will your faith in Christ to the end be a portent to those who might rather give up hope?
To live is Christ means finishing with faith. As the body fails the inner man is renewed in the knowledge that we were never judged by God according to our deeds, but according to Christ’s deed.
Prayer. Jesus, how you faced death is my portent. May I trust your goodness and mercy following me all the days of my life, even to the end. Amen.
To Live is Christ 