The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (Psalm 92:12-15)

There is a beauty in old age that must not be despised. This old age beauty is the beauty and radiance of Christ. The saint who has not forgotten His Creator in the days of his youth is prepared to bring forth fruit even in old age. This saint has learned the secret of communion with Christ. They have fed their souls upon the manna from heaven and have been satisfied. This saint has feasted within the pages of the Scripture beholding the glory of the only begotten Son of God. They have learned that maturity does not come as instant “fast-food” but through the valleys of life. They have walked with Him. They have been borne upon the Savior’s shoulders. Everyone looks at this saint and hears him declare in lifestyle and speech, the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Just as there is a beauty in the season of Fall, there is a beauty in an aged saint in the final years of their pilgrimage. Andrew Bonar learned this truth as he neared the end of his pilgrimage. It has spoken volumes to me throughout my years of ministry. Brethren, let us plant ourselves in the church of God and He will do us good in our latter days.

Our root is in Christ, and in the “love that passeth knowledge.” We will grow up and flourish if our roots are in such a soil. If spared to old age, our fruit will be abundant. In our younger days a great deal is blossom, but as we grow older it is fruit. It does not make such an appearance, but it is more enduring. (Andrew Bonar, Diary and Life, 496)