“Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each one with his staff in his hand for they have lived many days'" (Zechariah 8:4).
On January 1, 2021 I will have lived "many days"—about 31,765 to be precise. I must admit that many of those days, especially of late, have been spent sitting.
Oh, on occasion I have taught the scriptures, shared my faith with a few non-Christians, helped some new believers get on their feet and scribbled off a few books, but to be honest, I don't consider these activities more praiseworthy than “sitting” for I'm learning that what I am at all times is just as important and, in some situations, more important, than what I’m doing. Malachi the prophet said this of Levi the priest: “He walked with (God) in peace and righteousness, and turned many away from iniquity” (Malachi 2:6).That's a splendid truth to grasp as I look into the New Year and see myself sitting on our back porch with my staff in my hand.
But, some will say, the world is dying; "Tempus fugit! You must be up and doing!" Perhaps. On occasion. But Peter has another word: Since the universe and everything in it is passing away, “what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness…" (2 Peter 3:11).
David Roper
12.21.20
