Senior Moments with the Bible

January 15

The Little Person in the Eye of God

—Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.—

Psalm 17:8–9

The phrase in David’s prayer, translated as "keep me as the apple of the eye," in the original language literally means keep me as the little man in the pupil of the eye. David knew that when two people are close enough to each other—so close that their noses are almost touching—one can see a miniature reflection of himself or herself in the eye of the other person. This is how close David wanted God to be to him. We cannot know if David was on a battlefield, in a hiding place, or in his palace but his enemies had surrounded him. He prayed that God would protect him and stay close enough that David could see the reflection of his own face in God's eye.

Even though this is imaginative language, it is based upon the vital truth that God is always near us and even closer than the breath we breathe. We can pray David's prayer for our own reasons, whether we need to feel God's presence for comfort and strength or for fellowship and worship. We have assurance that he watches over us and keeps us like a little person reflected in the pupil of his eye.

March 16

Jesus' Final Week: The Sabbath

—And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathea, a city of the Jews; who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulcher that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew on.—

Luke 23:50–54

The Sabbath was quiet the next day after Jesus' crucifixion. The citizens of Jerusalem were now attending Bible studies at the synagogue and the disciples were hiding somewhere for fear of the Jews. All work had stopped. There were no shouts of anger heard, no crack of the whip, and no more pounding of nails. The horror of the crucifixion was over and soldiers stood guard beside the silent grave.

Not much is known about Joseph of Arimathea but he loved the Savior and gave Jesus a dignified burial. Luke indicates Joseph's conscience was clear because he did not consent to the immoral decision of the council that condemned Jesus to death. Like the chosen twelve, Joseph had looked for the Messiah and he had reason to believe that Jesus was he. No one taught the Bible the way Jesus did and no one else performed the miracles and good deeds he did. Furthermore, no one ever lived as Jesus did—without sin and without regret for words spoken in haste and deeds done in anger. But the bright hopes that Jesus was the Messiah had ended at Calvary and the sealed tomb testified to Joseph's despair. Thankfully, Luke's gospel, telling the story of Jesus' life, has another chapter with news of hope revived and promises fulfilled.

November 12

An Old Man's Prayer

—O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come.— Psalm 71:17–18

These verses characterize the psalmist as an old man reflecting upon his life. Looking back, he was grateful that he had chosen to trust God when he was young and that God had led him on a path to a joyous and happy life. He spoke of no disappointments and his memories were pleasant ones, for he had followed that path and had testified to God's wondrous works on his behalf. Now that the psalmist was old he prayed that God would not forsake him. The circumstances of his life had changed and he needed to say how much he still wanted and needed God in his life. The psalmist also reflected on the future, thinking about the legacy he would leave for his children and grandchildren. He apparently understood that the influence of a good person lingers long and helps to shape the lives of those who know him or her. The old man prayed that he could teach the present and future generations where to find the strength he had known. He was still declaring the wondrous works of God and, rather than thinking about himself, helping others to find the best in life had become the desire of his senior years.