2 Samuel 19`31

2 Samuel 19:31 says, And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the king, to conduct him over Jordan.  Barazillai a Gileadite went over the Jordan with David, conducting him over.  Matthew Henry said Barzillai had been the most loyal to David of the nobility of Israel and would likely have suffered for his loyalty if Absalom had remained in power.  As Christians, Jesus Christ is our King, and we must remain loyal to Him even if we suffer for our loyalty in this life.  One day, like Barzillai with David and the people of Isreal, we will be restored to a position of peace within God's kingdom.  Verse thirty-two adds, Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even fourscore years old: and he had provided the king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim; for he was a very great man.  Barzillai was eighty years old, but he had still provided David with sustenance when he was at Mahanaim.  Barzillai was also called man great man, which Matthew Henry says means he was blessed with a lot of riches.  We as followers of Christ should be willing to support those in need if God has blessed us with riches and we should never refuse to do so out of fear, and we should never think we are too old to do so.  Verse thirty-three continues, And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.  David told Barzillai to come over the Jordan with him and he would eat with David 8n Jerusalem.  David was offering to now meet Barzillai's needs and place him in a position of honor.  As Christians, we need to do all that we can to spread the gospel, and one day God will reward us for doing so by inviting us to dine at His table forever.  Verse thirty-four says, And Barzillai said unto the king, How long have I to live, that I should go up with the king unto Jerusalem?  Barzillai asked David how long he thought Barzillai had to live that he should go with him to Jerusalem.  Barzillai felt that he couldn't do any good for David at his age and questioned why he should be in David’s court.  Of course, we shouldn't allow age to be the determining factor in serving God, but we also must realize that there may come a time when our age will prevent us from doing what we once could.  I don't believe we should ever remain in a position in the church if we believe that age is preventing us from doing it effectively.  Verse thirty-five adds, I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king?  Barzillai said he was eighty years old and could no longer think clearly, and no longer could really taste his food or hear the music if it was playing.  He then asked David of what use would he be to the king. As we get older, we don't need seek out honor for ourselves, but we must be willing to allow someone better able to serve in positions in the church.  Verse thirty-six continues, Thy servant will go a little way over Jordan with the king: and why should the king recompense it me with such a reward?  Barzillai said that he would go a little way over the Jordan with David and asked David why he should be repaid for his kindness.  We should never help others expecting to be repaid for any good that we do for them. Verse thirty-seven states, Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back again, that I may die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold thy servant Chimham; let him go over with my lord the king; and do to him what shall seem good unto thee.  Barzillai asked David for permission to go back and die and be buried with his father and mother.  I believe that if we feel that we are too old to serve in the church that we should ask our King, God Himself, for His permission to stop.  Age alone should never be a reason to quit actively serving in the church.  Barzillai then offered a replacement, a man named Chimham, for himself to serve David.  If is always best if we believe that we are no longer capable of serving that we can suggest someone who can replace us.  Verse thirty-eight adds, And the king answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him that which shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou shalt require of me, that will I do for thee.  David said that he would allow Chimham to go in Barzillai's place, but he would still do all that he could to help Barzillai.  We need to acknowledge that there will come a time when we are physically and maybe mentally no longer able to actively serve in the church, but as Christians God will never stop meeting our needs as long as we remain obedient to Him..