"WHERE WE'LL NEVER GROW OLD"

     One of the great songs we sing bears the title heading of this

article. The first stanza declares, "I have heard of a land, on the

far away strand, 'Tis a beautiful home of the soul; Built by Jesus

on high, there we never shall die, 'Tis a land where we'll never

grow old." As time moves swiftly on, I appreciate the sentiments

expressed in the song. Many people we have known and loved through

the years are manifesting the wear and tear of those years the same

as I. In fact, a goodly number of them have already departed this

life for shores eternal. Another song declares, "We're going down

the valley one by one." Someone has said, "If people live long

enough, they are going to grow old." Eventually, death will step in

(Hebrews 9:27). The Psalmist stated, "We spend our years as a tale

that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten;

and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their

strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away"

(Psalms 90:9-10).

     David, beginning to grow old, perhaps felt somewhat a sense of

panic, and prayed to God that He not cast him off in the time of his

old age and pleaded with Him not to forsake him when he was old and

gray headed (Psalms 70:9, 18). God's resounding answer to all His

children, young and old, echoes through the centuries, "I will never

leave you, nor will I in any way forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). The

Bible states, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in

the way of righteousness" (Proverbs 16:31). And when death does come

for the child of God, what a glorious expectation awaits. The great

resurrection unto life eternal (John 5:28-29), where God "shall wipe

away every tear from their eyes, and earth shall be no more"

(Revelation 21:4). Truly, it will be a land "where we'll never grow

old." But, to enjoy that great land one must be an obedient follower

of Christ Jesus. It is a place prepared by Jesus for all those who

love Him.

   ---Jack Thompson, preacher for the White Park church of Christ.
 
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