After Retirement

Read: Numbers 8:23-26 NLT – The LORD also instructed Moses, “This – Bible Gateway

“After retirement they may assist their fellow Levites by serving as guards at the Tabernacle.” Numbers 8:26a NLT

Conditions for retirement vary from country to country. Age and numbers of years of service play a role in determining one’s qualifications for retirement. Certain occupations issue mandatory retirement once one reaches a certain age. Some people take an early partial retirement and maintain a work schedule, while others take an early retirement bringing their work to an end. And then there are those who choose to work indefinitely for as long as their health holds up. Whatever the situation of one’s retirement, what’s your plan after retirement? Do you have a plan? Does the Bible give us any guidance for a plan? Indeed, it does!

In the Old Testament book of Numbers, the Lord gave instructions to Moses concerning the Levites and their work serving in the Tabernacle. “This is the rule the Levites must follow: They must begin serving in the Tabernacle at the age of twenty-five, and they must retire at the age of fifty.” (Num.8:24-25 nlt) I do not expect any of us today would reject those conditions. But it is what follows that is divine guidance for us. God continues to say, “After retirement they may assist their fellow Levites by serving as guards at the Tabernacle, but they may not officiate in the service.” (Num.8:26a nlt) No, the Lord does not say ‘they must’ but ‘they may’ assist in another capacity.

Our Lord gives every Christian the opportunity, no matter how limited, to serve Him in another capacity once we have retired from our vocation. It could be in your field of expertise from your work throughout your career and now can assist others. It may be something you enjoyed doing in your spare time during your working years and now have more time to devote to it. It could possibly be something you never dreamed of doing, but the Lord has opened a door, and your heart is drawn to it. All of us who are retired, approaching retirement, planning for retirement, or just beginning our career, should take the Lord’s advice, when He says, ‘we may assist’ in our retirement. It is good advice. Let us assist where we can.