A Servant of the Lord Gets Old - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him: "You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed."
Joshua 13:1

A Servant of the Lord Gets Old
Joshua had served his God faithfully for many years. As he had been commissioned, so he had led the people of Israel into the land of Canaan. Now he had grown old. But the work was not yet completed. What thoughts may have passed through his heart as he thought of his diminishing strength and of the vast stretches of land still remaining to be possessed?

The Lord came to the aid of His servant and relieved him of his concerns. After enumerating the foes that still needed to be overcome, He promised, "Them I will drive out from before the children of Israel" (Josh. 13:6). Joshua could confidently leave the continuance of the work to God Almighty. He would keep on helping His people.

The Lord showed consideration for Joshua's age and strength. He did not require any more great exploits of him, but directed him to divide the land among the tribes of Israel as their inheritance. This commission he could yet carry out in spite of his advanced age.

We serve the same Lord. He knows that we are growing older and do not have as much strength as we used to have. He knows our concerns about the well-being of our fellow believers and about the continuation of His work. Just as with Joshua, so He desires also to speak with us about the situation and show us what we can still do for Him in spite of our declining powers. He most certainly also has a plan how His work will be carried on when our service comes to its conclusion.

Translated from Näher zu Dir
We thank Thee for that rest in Thee the weary only know,

That perfect wondrous sympathy we only learn below.