How Old is Too Old?

By Peter Thorniley

When doing Bible meetings at a retirement home I met a lady 98 years old. For years she’d heard Bible teachings. Though she loved the church, she was missing a relationship with the Lord and I tried my best to explain it to her. When she turned 100 she said, “The good die young. I guess that’s why I’m still around!” After she turned 101, she seemed to have a different faith. She started mentioning that it didn’t matter what church you belonged to as long as you knew and loved God. Her daughters told me, “Mom received the Lord when she was 101!” She died at 102. The Lord kept her alive long enough to receive Him by faith.

I’ve seen many receive the Lord at the end of their lives. My grandmother grew up with a dad that was a Christian, but had little joy in the Lord. His sour faith and attitude turned his three children off to church. Grandma at 87 years realized that she was dying. She was going in and out of consciousness. I sat by her side reading Scripture to her. It was my Mom’s turn to sit with her and she regained consciousness. “Is my soul all right?” She asked. Mom said, “I don’t know, let’s find out.” She prayed with Grandma and she received the Lord. Grandma died four days later.

I think it’s evident that lots of people in their final days know their need to put their faith in “The Man Upstairs,” as John Wayne said. He, too, received the Lord shortly before he died. People know they are running out of time and need to do what they should’ve done decades ago.

My dad had ignored the Lord all his life. At 80, he was dying and realized his need for real life insurance and was more receptive to God. Howard, a friend, said, “Mike there’s still something you need to do. You have to put your faith in God. Do you believe that Jesus died for your sin?” Dad nodded his head yes. “Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?” Dad again nodded his head. Dad listened as my sister and Howard prayed with him to receive the Lord. Ten hours later, Dad met the Lord.

My friend Paige’s dad received the Lord five minutes before he died. After stubbornly refusing for decades, he finally surrendered.

How old is too old? There’s no such thing. The past is gone; the future is where one is headed. God gives everyone long enough to live. Even those who are slow to receive Him will have their chance. Let’s not give up on anyone, thinking they’ll never receive the Lord. Let’s be encouraged to give the Gospel opportunity to those whose time is rapidly running out. We will see more come to Jesus at the end.

Matthew 12:20

pETER tHORNILEY writes from Talent, Oregon.