“Praise the Lord…and forget not all his benefits… (forgives…heals…redeems…crowns…satisfies) …so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5 NIV abbreviated)
“Abraham took another wife, whose name was Keturah. She gave birth to Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah…The days of Abraham’s life were a hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and he died at a good old age, an old man who was satisfied [with life]; and he was gathered to his people [who had preceded him in death].” (Genesis 25:1-2, 7-8 AMP)
“Although Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eyesight was not dim, nor his natural strength abated.” (Deuteronomy 34:7 AMP)
“And now, look, the LORD has let me (Caleb) live, just as He said, these forty-five years since the LORD spoke this word to Moses, when Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, look at me, I am eighty-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so is my strength now, for war and for going out and coming in.” (Joshua 14:10-11 AMP)
What is “youth” anyway? David related the renewing of youth to the characteristics of an eagle. Eagles are known for staying strong late in their lives. Their eyesight stays keen, and their mental and physical abilities stay sharp. From the examples of Caleb, Moses, and Abraham we can see that renewed youth results in maintaining physical and mental strength, vigor, and vitality, all the way to the grave. Their overall health did not diminish with age. Renewed youth has a direct impact on the quality of life that I experience, and the length of life that I enjoy.
As wonderful as it is knowing that “youth” is a benefit that I possess, if I don’t experience it what good is it? In studying the lives of Caleb, Moses, and Abraham I found two key elements that brought “youth” into manifestation in their lives.
First, the Power of Youth is in the Promise of Youth. Isaiah 55:11 says, “so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” When the Lord gives me a promise either through His written Word, or the voice of the Spirit within my heart, that promise carries the power to fulfill itself. My responsibility is to accept it by faith and walk it out through obedience. 2 Corinthians 1:20 says, ” for all the promises of God in Him (Jesus) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
Second, the Activation of Youth is in the Acceptance of the Assignment for which youth is needed. Once I receive the promise through faith and obedience it is in me. It has the power to produce itself. For this power to be activated, so that it manifests in my life, I need to accept and act upon the assignment that the Lord has given me. Kingdom benefits are given for Kingdom purposes. While I get to enjoy these benefits personally, they are actually deposited in me for the sake of those around me.
When Caleb accepted his assignment to take the Promised Land, youth was released in his life. After 45 years of waiting he was able to take his mountain. At 85 he had not lost any of the physical strength, mental sharpness, or enthusiastic attitude that he possessed at the age of 40.
When Moses accepted his assignment at the age of 80 he received the vitality of youth which allowed him to live to be 120 with no loss of health, strength, or eye sight.
When Abraham accepted his assignment he was not only infused with youth to produce the promised son in old age, but he went on to remarry at about 130 and father 5 more children. He lived strong until 175, and when he was satisfied with his life, he died without any evidence of age related sickness or diminished capacity.
We’ll look at this some more tomorrow. Until then, I am embracing…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 39: “There are benefits to living in the Kingdom of Heaven today (and even more yet to come).” Part 8: Youth…Renewed continued