God is not ageist. When he has work to do he chooses both the old and the young.
The first chapter of Luke is vibrant and alive, with the Holy Spirit choosing and visiting people in order for the plans of God to be realised. Whom does he call? Elizabeth and Zechariah, a couple described (in v.7) as ‘both very old’. And at the opposite end of the age spectrum ‘a young woman/girl’ pledged in marriage called Mary. So he calls the old. And the young.
This is very reassuring. No-one retires from the kingdom of God. We serve him to our last breath. I was reminded of this earlier today when I visited George Harper, one of the oldest church members of The Belfrey who is ill in hospital. It was a pleasure to be with him, to share with him, to receive a prophetic word from him, and to pray for him. He told me he will keep praying, until the Lord takes him home.
Similarly no-one is too young to be used by God. Children and teenagers are not excluded and can be used in all sorts of wonderful ways, if they’ll let the Holy Spirit guide them. I’ve seen this on numerous occasions with my own children and with young people at church who want to play their part in serving God’s transformation of the North.
God’s deep desire to use all ages was prophesied before Christ by the prophet Joel (and quoted by Peter in the very first sermon on Pentecost):
‘In the last days God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
Your young men will see visions,
Your old men will dream dreams’ (Acts 2:17).
But here in Luke 1 we see tangible examples of this prophecy coming true in the lives of real people in real situations.
So let’s hear none of this ‘I’m too old’ or ‘I’m too young’ language. The Holy Spirit is truly for ‘all’ people, regardless of age. And that includes you.
Discipleship Blog 
Amen ! You should have heard Bethany and Esther the other day! We prayed a prayer thanking God for feeding us.
Bethany and Esther were talking about the earthly realm and comparing it to the heavenly, fascinating!
I have been following your blogs for several months no I find every new blog very inspiring and encouraging. Your message today is very relevant and I pray that many will be blessed.
Thanks for this, Lukas. Glad they’re helpful. I appreciate you taking time to say so. Hope all is well with you and your loved ones, and that you are full of faith for this coming season. God bless. Matthew
Thanks Matthew – on a similar theme you might like to check out our ‘through-life discipleship’ mini-site which we’re gradually populating with resource material and short cases studies on ‘following Christ through the ages and changes of life’.
Thanks Matthew, i always feel inspired by your blogs Thanks for taking the time to think,reflect and write. I live in Australia and often listen to the sermons whilst going about housework, cooking etc and really appreciate the input
Thanks for your encouragement, Therese. Really appreciated. May you keep growing as a disciple and see many around you also follow Jesus. God bless.
Thank you Mathew. At my age I know that God is not ageist! I am about to go into hospital for a “routine” knee replacement and my family and my church of St Mike’s are so supportive and I am so sure of God’s support that at the young old age of 86 I have no fear. I simply thank everyone for their offers of help for Jean and for their support, moral and physical. I look forward to being able to take a more physical role in everything for a few years more yet.
Best Wishes,
Neville Rance