My Dear Shepherds,
Souls age in ways not measured by years. Sometimes a rare young person is described as an “old soul,” suggesting they have an aged sage’s sensibilities, belying their youth. But often, old souls are more likely to simply be tired, lonely, and disappointed.
Like children who never knew their parents, souls constantly try to find what they’re missing—security, the comforting love of mealtimes and bedtimes, and knowing who they are and where they belong. Orphaned souls age quickly. And all souls separated from God are orphaned.
One of the extraordinary praiseworthy benefits of God’s wonderful salvation is that the Good Shepherd “restores my soul.” Or as David put it in Psalm 103,
Praise the LORD, O my soul . . . who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Ps. 103:5)
Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened . . . and you will find rest for your souls.” Pastors work in the Lord’s rehab units. We are also attendants in his oases. Occasionally the Word and Spirit require us to lay down the law, but grace is our usual stock in trade. We help people’s hearts un-age well.
Pastoral “Wordwork” targets the deepest desires our people feel, sometimes before they even realize it. Preaching and pastoral care are meant to awaken in our people the awareness of what they’ve been missing and of the satisfaction Christ offers. We lead them to springs of living water.
Often the deep satisfaction people most desire is found along the trails of obedience, so we show them those ways, and walk alongside them when they need us. Other times, what they most desire is right before their eyes, theirs for the taking, like manna or songs or the embrace of Jesus.
David was thinking of how eagles molted each year, shedding old feathers and growing new ones, as if renewing their youth. God’s salvation is a fountain of youth for aging souls. Eternal life starts rejuvenating us when we’re born again, not when we die. Psalm 92:14–15 says of the righteous,
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
One time, during a visit to a rehab center, I met Jesse. She was 93 and recovering from a fall. When she smiled at me, I just knew she loved Jesus, so I went over to meet her. She was excited because she was returning home the next day. “I bet you have a good church at home,” I said. “Trinity AME!” she said proudly.
“What’s your favorite hymn?” I asked. Without a moment’s hesitation she said, “Jesus Is All the World to Me.” I got down on one knee by her wheelchair and said, “Let’s sing it together.” So there, with people coming and going all around us, Jesse and I sang.
After we finished the last words, “He’s my friend,” I stood to go. “If you’re going home tomorrow,” I said, “I might never see you again until we meet in heaven.” She smiled broadly, “I’ll see you there!”
Not long ago, I found her obituary. It said, “Jesse Lee Campbell. Age 95, of Waukegan, Illinois, departed this life on Friday, June 20, 2014.” I read about her family, and this: “She joined church at an early age and was a current member of Trinity AME Church.”
So somewhere among heaven’s ageless, white-robed multitude, Jesse and I will meet again, our deepest desires met once and for all, and together we’ll sing of Jesus.
Be ye glad!
