Fruit in old age.
This is one of the blessed promises of God to his faithful people. Consider—
I. WHAT THIS FRUIT IS.
1. Much knowledge of God's ways. What are many years granted to man for, but that he may attain to this knowledge and the practical wisdom thence ensuing?
2. Sanctity of character. The long discipline of life should have trained his spirit, to this, and confirmed him in the ways of God.
3. Patience. Old age should "rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him."
4. Heavenly mindedness. They cannot bet know how soon their hold on this world will be loosened; and hence it should be their endeavour to be ready for the better world of heaven; their conversation should be much in heaven.
5. Concern for the salvation of others. Their exhortations and testimony will have power, and should not be withheld. God will be glorified and souls eternally blessed. Such is the fruit which old age should bring forth.
II. THOUGH SUPERNATURAL, IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE.
1. It is supernatural. Old age is not the natural season for fruit. In the tree we do not look for it. The palm tree is a rare exception. Nor in men. The outward man perishes. Decay of nature sets in. (See for beautiful description of old age, Ecclesiastes 12:1-7.) The mental faculties and force become feeble. The courage and fearlessness of former days lapse into the caution and timidity of old age. Only of God's people can it be said—
"Time, that doth all things else decay,
Still makes them flourish strong and fair."
2. But though fruit in old age be supernatural, it may be reasonably looked for. From the nature of religion, the Divine life in the soul must grow, if it lives at all. Where there is spiritual life there must be growth. From the force of holy habit, which enables the righteous to be righteous still, and the holy to be holy still. From the subsidence of the bodily passions, and so the absence of strong temptation, and from the special aid of the Spirit of God according to his sure promise.
III. SOME TROUBLE THEMSELVES ABOUT IT WHO SHOULD NOT. Many aged people of God are distressed because they cannot—so they think—see any of this blessed fruit. But this may be owing:
1. To mistaking feeling for fruit. They cannot summon up those strong rapturous feelings in worship and prayer, and hence they fear lest they have lost their religion. It is not so, for God looks not at feelings—they come and go like the clouds—but at the heart, the will which alone is the true man. That may be true to God when feeling is but faint and fitful, and has but little rapture and glow.
2. To forgetfulness of the fact that "they also serve who only stand and wait." Activity and toil are possible only to the strong and vigorous. Patient waiting upon God, meek resignation to his will,—these are the fruits of old age, and are no less acceptable to God than the strenuous activity of the young and strong.
IV. SOME DO NOT TROUBLE THEMSELVES ABOUT IT WHO SHOULD. For they bring forth no fruit. The world has them too surely; their hearts are not right with God. They find fault with others, and complain that the former times were better than these. The means of grace they do not avail themselves of, and they present the sad spectacle of men from whom much might have been expected, but who yield little or no fruit in old age.
V. IT IS INFINITELY DESIRABLE.
1. For our own peace and comfort, the esteem of our fellow Christians, and the approval of conscience, depend upon it.
2. Our power to help and bless others. For they will see and reverence fruit in old age, and will own the power of Divine grace and the blessedness of it; whilst, on the other hand, where there is little or no such fruit, they will be confirmed in their own sin and harden themselves yet more against God.
3. For Christ's sake. It will gladden and glorify him.
VI. ITS GREAT GUARANTEE AND AIDS.
1. The abiding grace of God. "Without me," said Christ, "ye can do nothing."
2. Self-examination. Ask of yourself whether you are bringing forth fruit.
3. Diligent use of means of grace—prayer, study of the Scriptures, attendance at the house of God, Holy Communion.
4. Definite endeavours to bring others to God. Great is the help of such faithful aggressive work.
5. Bringing forth fruit now ere old age comes.—S.C.
HOMILIES BY R. TUCK