Passing the Torch

604 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Sa 19:31-36, “And Barzillai (bar zil' la I ) the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went across the Jordan with the king, to escort him across the Jordan. 32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, eighty years old. And he had provided the king with supplies while he stayed at Mahanaim, for he was a very rich man. 33 And the king said to Barzillai, "Come across with me, and I will provide for you while you are with me in Jerusalem." 34 But Barzillai said to the king, "How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 "I am today eighty years old. Can I discern between the good and bad? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the voice of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be a further burden to my lord the king? 36 "Your servant will go a little way across the Jordan with the king. And why should the king repay me with such a reward? (2 Sam 19:31-36) Barzillai the Gileadite was an aged loyal subject of David. He did not let his age keep him from showing his approval of the king. He traveled all the way from Mahanaim and crossed the Jordan just to make that public statement. This trek with David said loud and clear to all witnesses, “I believe in this king!” David invites him to stay and serve in his court, but Barzillai graciously refuses, citing his waning faculties that came with old age. He would be more of a hindrance to David and his kingdom than a help. I think about this often in relation to my own service in the kingdom. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work as a radio announcer at a Christian station for many years, but quite frankly there will come a time, when my voice will become feeble, my senses dulled, and perhaps a little out of touch with a youthful audience. There will come a time when my being on the air will actually be a hindrance. (Ah ah ah ah...don't go there!) I pray that I will have the grace of Barzillai and know when to get out of the way. May it be enough for me to finish my years, expressing my approval of my King in all that He gives me to say and do. I also pray fervently that God would raise up spiritual children that this radio ministry may have produced through the years, and that this next generation would pick up the torch and fervently keep it burning on the airwaves. This ministry of the broadcast Word is vital because as Scripture says, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! Father, raise up anointed heralds, that Your Good News may continue to go forth in power and purity.