by Larry Magnuson
I have so much still to learn about myself, about biblical rest and about God’s desire for me.
As Barbara and I face the need to reduce our role at SonScape Retreats due to some physical issues, I found myself feeling guilty. After all, aren’t we supposed to continue the Lord’s work until the day He calls us home? How many times have I been told ‘retirement’ is not biblical, even slowing down is suspect. Here I was needing to slow my pace due to my 17-year struggle with Neuromyelitis Optica (as well as my ever increasing age) but somehow I was feeling guilty about it.
Then I came across Numbers 8:22-26. God gives instructions to Moses for the Levites. You may remember the Levites were to assist Aaron and his sons in care for the tabernacle, particularly in taking it down, carrying it as they moved, and setting it back up. God had very specific instructions how this was to be done with dire consequences for any deviation. In verses 22-26, God makes it clear the Levites were to serve from age 25 to age 50 and then they were to retire! Their work was very demanding physically and at age 50 retirement was mandatory. I’m sure there were some Levites who were still in good shape and may even have wanted to continue but God set the rule.
Verse 26 is very important: They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the Tent of Meeting but they themselves must not do the work. In other words, they still had an important role but it had changed. Now they were to assist, support, teach, train, and help but not do the key physical labor.
God spoke to me through this passage. There are times and seasons where life and ministry change. Our value moves into a different realm. Those changes are a part of the rhythm of rest and God’s seasons of life. Now clearly in Scripture God calls people at different times to different roles; after all, Moses began his ministry at age 80.
The point is simply this . . . are we accepting and enjoying the different seasons and roles God has for us or are we allowing false thoughts and voices to keep us driving in directions that are not God’s desire for us? There are times to push forward and there are times to slow down. There are times to lead and there are times to support. All can be crucial parts of God’s plan. Barbara and I are working to find the new role and rhythm God has for us – and learning to enjoy it.