Read: Acts 28:11–16, 30–31
He lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. Acts 28:30–31
Church history tells us that Paul died a martyr’s death in Rome, but his biblical history only says that he continued to teach and preach unimpeded. Whatever the case, Paul’s ministry continued. Having reached his goal of arriving in Rome, Paul did not retire quietly into the background but continued to blaze a path forward.
In our culture, if we are blessed with health and longevity, we believe retirement should be our reward. We can sit back on our investments and accumulated good works and allow others to pick up the mantle of leadership and stride forward. We believe we have done our part, now it is someone else’s turn to step forward. God does not put people out to pasture. As people of faith, we are called to strive—right up to our very last breath—for the kingdom of God. We can’t afford the luxury of retirement—there is too much important work to be done. Thank God!
Do you plan to retire?
Lord, I don’t want to die old and useless. I want to live my days purposefully and with my boots on. I want to be working for You until my dying day. Retirement is not for me any more than it is for You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.