Seasons of life

Numbers 8:19–26
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

The Levites were  gifts to Aaron and his sons to serve at the sacred tent (vv. 19-20). They were held responsible for what happened to anyone who got too close to the sacred tent. They were dedicated to the Lord and did just as He commanded (vv. 21-22). The LORD told Moses that the Levites who were between the ages of 25 and 50 could work at His sacred tent (vv. 23-24). But once they turned 50, they must retire (vv. 25-26). A question we might ask: Why were the Levites supposed to retire at age 50? The reasons were probably more practical than theological:

1. Moving the tabernacle and its furniture through the wilderness required strength. The younger men were more suited for the work of lifting the heavy articles.
2. They were allowed to assist with various light duties. This helped the younger men assume more responsibilities and it allowed the older men to be in a position to advise and counsel them.

The listing of the age limits for service as a Levite seems to teach a truth that active service for God demands the utmost and the best in strength and wisdom. The age span was given as twenty-five to fifty years. The twenty-fifth to thirtieth year probably was a term of internship  or probation. Before beginning the formal years of service, the Levites underwent many years of training; after completing active duty, a term of lighter service was maintained. The service of God, whether in the training, probationary, active or semi-retired stage, was vital for the success of God’s people on their journey.

Application

I don’t believe there is any place in Scripture that suggests we should retire from doing the Lord’s work. However, there are definitely different seasons of life and we should prepare for the different changes that take place in this process. For us to quit altogether is bad, but to hang on to something that we are no longer able to do is also not good. Lord, help me to be active for You as long as my health will permit, but keep me from trying to do something that I am no longer capable of doing.