Shine Jesus Shine

2Ch 24:15 But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; a hundred and thirty years old was he when he died.

A very interesting saying, "waxed old." I don't believe I have had any occasion in my life to use this term, have you? Perhaps it only catches my eye now because I am waxing old. How about you? Are you curious about this phrase or are you just simply, "waxing old" and no longer interested in learning something new?

There are only six instances of this term in the Bible, so we see that God surely never dwelt on it. Why should we? We are what we are. We are waxing old. We never said when we were young that we were waxen of youth, did we? Yet, I am confident that each and every well-placed word in the Bible has content and meaning. So, I looked beyond this quaint saying, recalling the days I tinkered in candle making, and wondered if there was a connection with the word wax and wear out. Sure enough the first sentence I read on the history of candles was, "Candles were once the only source of light in homes all over the world." Of course I thought, so it does waxing old mean passé"? Does this verse speak of the body or of the spirit? Yet again, does this saying really mean that the spirit, the source of light to our families, if not the world has grown dim? Is this what Jesus meant when He said we were the light of the world and not to hide our light under a bushel? Is God saying that we waxen old in our love and devotion to Him as our body grows weary and tired? Are we full of days in our body, exhausted, and forget that our spirit is what God sees foremost while the people of the earth only view our physical body? Is that what we only view too, or do we keep our light in Christ shining brightly? I see this verse has purpose for those that are not bodily weary, but for those that have served their fullest and highest purpose in glorifying God upon this earth.

Candles are also used in worship. Have we waxed old and are no longer of service in this area? Or does this mean we simply need our wicks trimmed? If you are discovering that you have waxed old, do you think the Lord might be dropping a huge hint today to rejuvenate in the area where you might be useful once more--and that is in your spirit? Can you contribute radiance around you today? You sure can even if the body has waxed old. You can outstretch your hand right now to the nearest person that you come into contact with today, and say, "The peace of the Lord be with you always." That one will realize, sooner or later, that you have not waxed old in letting your light shine brightly for Jesus.