Spiritual Retirement?

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
2 Peter 1:16-18

Later in life when Peter spoke of the three years he spent with Jesus as a young man the stories must have been truly captivating. When I meet Peter in Heaven I hope to hear his account of stepping out of the boat to walk on the water. Peter could tell of that night in the garden when he kept going to sleep while Jesus prayed. He certainly would mention day of Pentecost when three thousand people responded to his sermon.

But it was not the memories of his youth that sustained Peter when he became an old man. The memories must have been precious, but the thing that kept Peter strong was that Jesus lived not with him but in him!

The excitement of a newly engaged couple is obvious to everyone, but the peace and joy that can be theirs after more than forty years of marriage dwarfs the original thrill.

When you first met Jesus and discovered that He came to save you from your sins the thrill was overwhelming. But as you walk with Him for dozens of years the peace and joy of the relationship dwarfs the emotion of the first encounter.

After years of knowing Jesus and living with the Holy Spirit indwelling there is still a time of wonder and discovery when I spend time pondering His Word and considering His Majesty! The more I know Him; I discover that there is so much more of Him to know. He is a vast eternity of blessing, joy and peace. As I touch the hem of His garment and receive the Power of God in my life I look up and see how much more there is to be touched!

Don’t spend your time like the old soldier who sits around and tells war stories from years ago. There is no such thing as a “retired believer” in Jesus. The testimony of what Jesus did for you in your history may be helpful to those who would listen, but the life changing Power of God is seen in what Jesus is doing for you, with you and through you today!