Devotionals

Senior Saints, The Desire To Stay Living At Home

by Dale Buchanan 
08/07/26
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#23 in “Blessing for Senior Saints” series

Barzillai was eighty years old and had helped David with needed food and supplies when David fled from his wicked son, Absalom. (2 Samuel17:27-29).  Now Absalom had been defeated, and David was returning to Jerusalem with his entourage.  “And the king said unto Barzillai, Come thou over with me, and I will feed thee with me in Jerusalem.”  Barzillai answered, “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.  (2 Samuel 19:33,37 KJV).

David, with a love for his people and with all good intentions, offered to take Barzillai home to the palace where he would care for him the rest of his life. Barzillai refused the offer. He wanted to go back to his home and his hometown.  He wanted to be buried there by the grave of his father and mother.

Sometimes, aged people are persuaded to leave their home of many years and move in with the children or move into assisted living or a nursing home.  Although the persuasion may be well-intentioned and motivated by love, this may be a devastating blow to the elderly person. Even if the elder is physically disabled, a qualified live-in caregiver in their home would be preferable.  (Medical counsel may be required to make this decision – and sometimes, there is no satisfactory home alternative.) To the elderly parents and their children: pray, seek qualified counsel, and do what the Lord wants you to do. AND remember the story of Barzillai.

Note: As the writer of this devotional, my wife and I are in our eighties and still living independently in our own home.