Age is Irrelevant
A Devotional by Pastor Allen Jackson
Luke 1:38
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”
Mary was called to demonstrate radical obedience at a young age. When she was just a teenager, she received an angelic invitation that was incredibly disruptive to the plans she had for her life. If she had misgivings, Scripture doesn’t tell us so. It doesn’t say she asked for some time to think about it; it simply says she accepted the plan God had for her. If you are young in years or have only been following the Lord for a short time, I encourage you to say yes to the Lord’s invitations. Don’t wait for a certain birthday to roll around or until you feel like you can do something really significant. Your faith is not too young. Embrace God where you are. And if you are beyond your youthful years, don’t feel like your time has passed or you’ve done all you need to do. Honor the Lord in the season and the circumstances where you find yourself. If you want to be useful in God’s Kingdom, begin by simply saying yes.
When voices say you’re too young or too old for God’s plan, say yes to God anyway. He will prepare you for all He desires you to be.
I piggyback Pastor Jackson’s devotional on age being irrelevant by adding that:
Scripture emphasizes this point on multiple age levels. For example, Moses – “Moses was eighty years-old and Aaron was eighty-three, when they spoke to Pharaoh.” (Exodus 7:7) This verse demonstrates God’s timing for their leadership in leading the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt had nothing to do with their age. God would equip them for the huge task He called them to do.
Timothy, who as a young leader of an established church, is another example. Paul recognized Timothy’s young age and the potential for others to dismiss him. Therefore, Paul encouraged Timothy with these words in 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Another verse that supports this principle is found in Hebrews 13:21that says, “Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.”
This verse is a timeless reminder that spiritual influence comes from character and godliness, not age or credentials.
I like to think of it like this: picture your body, whether young or old, as a treasure chest. The chest is of no particular value and certainly does not have any value for eternity. It is what is inside the chest that has value. The same holds true with our bodies. The value is in our hearts, our souls, our spirit.
Or, how about money? There is no value in the green paper with numbers on it that is worth any thing. It is what backs up the money that gives it value.
Pastor Jackson closes his devotional with this prayer:
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your calling. You are the One who sustains and gives life. No matter our age or season, enable us to see Your opportunities. Give us boldness to respond as You direct, so Jesus’ name might be exalted, and Your purposes might break forth. In Jesus’ name, amen.