Introduction and Birthday Reflections

Allen begins by inviting the audience to an annual “baked potato bash” at his home, highlighting the installation of a new elevator for those who have difficulty with stairs. He notes that he is celebrating a significant birthday, which has prompted him to reflect on his life’s direction. He observes that the romanticized view of aging—such as the idea that “the best is yet to be”—often feels like “fiction” compared to the reality of frequent doctor visits. Despite this, he expresses a desire to live a meaningful life, modeling himself after heroes he has admired since childhood.

The Evolution of Heroes

Allen describes how his heroes have shifted according to his life stages:

• Childhood: He was first impacted by the stories of David and Goliath and the rich man and Lazarus.
• College: His hero was Daniel, whose ability to say “no” to the Babylonian king’s demands while a teenager served as a model for navigating issues of right and wrong.
• Old Age: He now looks to figures like Moses, who was called by God at age 80; the Apostle John, who served the church into his 90s; and Polycarp, a martyr who famously declared he had served the Lord for 86 years.

The Example of Caleb

The central figure of Isbell’s reflection is Caleb from the Old Testament. Drawing from Joshua 14 and Numbers 13, Isbell highlights several aspects of Caleb’s life:

• Wholehearted Faith: Caleb was one of the spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan. While others returned with reports that made the people “melt in fear” due to the presence of giants (the Anakites), Caleb remained faithful to his convictions.
• Vigor in Old Age: At age 85, Caleb claimed to be “just as vigorous” for battle as he was at age 40 when Moses first sent him out.
• Diverse Background: Isbell notes that Caleb was a Kennesite, suggesting he may not have been originally Jewish but became a prominent leader in the tribe of Judah.
• Personal Connection: Isbell likens Caleb’s spirit to a former elder he knew, Curtis Cox, a rancher and “school man” who believed anything could be accomplished if one set their mind to it.

Three Principles for Aging

Isbell derives three specific lessons from Caleb’s example to guide his own life and the lives of other older church members:

1. Remain Faithful: Caleb followed the Lord “wholeheartedly” throughout his entire life. Isbell contrasts this with people who “slip out” of church activity as they get older, urging them to maintain their early zeal.
2. Maintain a Good Self-Image: Caleb saw himself as capable and energetic. Isbell argues that if one loses a positive self-image as they age, “age will defeat us”.
3. Have a Goal in Life: Rather than seeking a comfortable retirement “along the Mediterranean Sea,” Caleb asked for the “hill country,” the most difficult territory occupied by giants. Isbell emphasizes that having goals is essential to staying “alive” as one gets older.

Isbell concludes by challenging the idea that older members should “sit back” and let the younger generation take over. Instead, he encourages the “grayheads” to use their time and dedication to continue building the body of Christ, serving God with all their heart, soul, strength, and—as Jesus added—their mind.

To understand Isbell’s view of Caleb, imagine a long-distance runner who, upon reaching the final miles of a marathon, does not look for a place to sit down, but instead asks for the steepest hill on the course to prove they are still in the race.