Leviticus 27:1-3  The Lord said to Moses, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate someone to the Lord by paying the value of that person, here is the scale of values to be used. A man between the ages of twenty and sixty is valued at fifty shekels of silver, as measured by the sanctuary shekel.” (NLT)

Leviticus 27:7  A man older than sixty is valued at fifteen shekels of silver; a woman of that age is valued at ten shekels of silver.

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Older men (and women) way back in the day were worth less than their younger counterparts in certain aspects of measure. The decreasing value acknowledged in this text has something to do with their capacities for physical labor. Men and women of a certain age were no doubt grateful they were not expected to produce the same volume of work of their younger protégé’s. 

My aching shoulder makes me glad I don’t have to heft anything today and that my suitcase has rollers. This will come in handy as I transition to the airport and load my things to drive home upon my arrival. 

While aging physical capacities are devalued, intellectual capacities do not necessarily follow the same line of decline. The conference I am attending is filled with aged veterans of political, social, and religious leadership. The people in these rooms and corridors have provided significant service on every continent and almost every nation. They continue teaching, training, and mentoring current and emerging leaders.

These leaders are not losing value, but the nature of their value is changing. 

Here’s a thought or two before I get ready to stand in a long security line this morning.

1) Your value to God never diminishes. He perfectly loves you with an everlasting love.
2) Use all the brains and brawn you’ve got to honor God and serve others.
3) Stop trying to determine your worth in other people’s eyes. God sees you as you most truly are and knows all you are capable of, and he will deploy you in significant service that blesses others and draws them toward his heart. 

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I will lean into this day with all I’ve got for all of God’s glory.

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Our Father, use our capacities today to accomplish your purpose in us and through us in this world as you see fit. May others see how good you are as you use our limitations to declare your limitless love and eternal salvation. Amen.