The Christ in Prophecy Journal

Observations on Aging

In July I turned 78 years old. I received a birthday card that showed a doctor on the front saying, “Your test results are in.” Inside, it said, “You’re old! Happy Birthday anyway!”

Yep, there’s no doubt about it — I’m old. I never expected to live this long. The Bible says in Psalm 90:10, “As for the days of your life, they contain 70 years, or if due to strength, 80 years.”

I attribute my longevity to the fact that when I finally gave in to God’s call on my life in 1980, I began to pray earnestly that the Lord would enable me to make up the 20 years I wasted while running from Him. In His grace and mercy, He seems to be doing that.

When I wrote a book about the signs of the times that are pointing to the Lord’s soon return, I titled it, Living on Borrowed Time. I gave it that title because all the biblical signs we are told to watch for are converging today for the first time ever — clearly indicating that we are living in the season of the Lord’s return.

At my age, my book title certainly applies to me. I could be called home to be with the Lord at any moment. So, I’m taking it one day at a time, thanking the Lord each morning for giving me one more day to serve Him.

One of my greatest concerns for several years has been the lack of any new, young preachers joining the ranks of those of us who have dedicated our lives to the teaching of God’s Prophetic Word and the preaching of His Son’s soon return.

I expressed this concern to Tim LaHaye several years ago, and he said he shared it. He then made a very interesting observation. He said, “Dave, I think the reason God is not raising up new prophetic voices is because He is not going to need them.” When I asked what he meant, he said, “It’s because we are that close to the Rapture.”

That could very well be. But as I see the deaths of people like Dave Hunt, Grant Jeffrey, Charles Ryrie and Tim LaHaye, my concern grows about the lack of new Bible prophecy voices.

The seminaries are not teaching prophecy. They are almost completely ignoring the whole field of Eschatology. And when they do touch on it, they tend to spiritualize it into meaninglessness. The same is true of churches. There is a famine of the teaching and preaching of Bible prophecy. The focus seems instead to be on church growth gimmicks. The irony is that the preaching of Bible prophecy will result in church growth!

But back to my point about living on borrowed time. That thought really applies to all of us, regardless of age. Each breath we take is due to the grace of God. None of us can say with confidence that we will be alive tomorrow.

I’m reminded of a dear preacher friend of mine who in his mid-40s was the pastor of a large church in Tucson, Arizona. He was invited to return to his home church in Seattle, Washington to speak on Sunday morning and evening.

As he was driving to the church on Sunday evening, he suddenly veered off the highway into a concrete wall and was killed instantly. The steering wheel was driven through his chest, making it impossible to determine what had happened to him. It was assumed that he suffered a heart attack.

They found his Bible on the floor of the car. Folded up inside of it was his sermon for that evening. The very first line of the sermon read as follows: “There is not one person present here this evening who can say with certainty that you will be alive tomorrow.”

Are you taking life for granted? If so, then you are walking on thin ice. Today — right now — is the time for you to get right with God.

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Dr. David Reagan

Dr. David Reagan is the Founder and Evangelist Emeritus of Lamb & Lion Ministries. He is a life-long Bible student, teacher, and preacher and he led over 45 pilgrimages to Israel. Dr. Reagan was the host of the radio then television program Christ in Prophecy for nearly 40 years.

11 CommentsLeave a Comment

  • Dr. Reagan I so enjoyed reading this article. I myself have just turned 70 and that is quite the accomplishment in a family of mostly young-ish deaths. I have now outlived both parents, two grandparents and all but one great grandparent. Once the passing of one living uncle occurs, I will be the oldest in both sides of my family. WOW.

    I cannot remember a time when I did not love the Lord but I too walked a different path for a number of years, by not placing Him first in my life and I think that He may be allowing me time to make that time up to Him, as He is doing perhaps for you.

    I love Lamb & Lion postings. God bless you for the work you are doing on His behalf.

    Maranatha!

  • Oops Dr. Reagan; one additional comment if I may…my son is a Pastor in a spirit filled church and he does preach prophecy and Eschatology, as does the church I attend. These preachers ARE out there… mostly perhaps in mid life. I pray that Tim LaHaye was correct and that we won’t be needing such preaching much longer.

  • I turned 80 this year, but I don’t feel that old in my mind. Sometimes I do in my body. So I took a biological age test which said, by my answers to 160 or more questions, that my biological age is 68.

    So if you didn’t know how old you are, how old would you be? You really look very fit and healthy. Praise God as you continue leading your vital ministry. Last time I saw you was at Pastor Joe Wright’s church in Wichita.

    I thank God for every year He has given me to live and serve Him. My time is in His hands. He numbered my years before I ever existed. Actually, I want to hold out until the Rapture of the Church which I now believe could happen. Beside, I still have a lot of spiritual growing to do.

    God bless you!

  • Dear Dr. Reagan, I enjoyed reading this journal post very much. You and all the folks at Lamb & Lion Ministries have been such a blessing to me and to so many people. God Bless you richly for your faithfulness and being a voice of truth in a world that certainly needs more of it. Thank you for being such a great witness for God and His precious Word. I love you all at Lamb & Lion Ministries and will continue to pray for you all. God Bless you.

  • In 2011 I thought I was going home. Most likely that was the first time that a doctor delivered a verdict of stage 4 cancer and saw a patient elated at the news. Alas, God had a different plan, I was to stay. So here I am, hopeing and looking for our Lords return to snatch us away. And studying while listening intently to all the prophecy teachers. I find so few, if any , people who are interested as I am. Very dishearting. But your letter today was right on target. God Bless you dear brother in Christ and may the Lord meet all your financial needs for the lamb and Lion TV show. It truly is a blessing to many of us.

  • I cannot tell you how much I enjoy reading EVERY SINGLE THING you write!!

    A few years back when you came to Joe and Terry’s church in Wichita, I made it a point to go to all 5 of your teachings that weekend. I was able to speak with you after one of the sessions and told you I could sit at your feet and listen…and learn….and soak up your wisdom like a SPONGE!! LOL

    I am the only one in my family that follows Bible Prophecy and that is because of YOU!! You have the ability to tie the entire Bible, from beginning to end, together. I was always so confused about the situation in the Middle East until I listened to your teaching and viewed your charts and maps. The Exponential Curve is another one of your teachings that fascinated me!

    I surely hope we get to experience the Rapture together, Dr. Reagan!

    Your passion and excitement is very contagious! Being a person who is passionate myself, it warms my heart to find that quality in you and your teachings. Thanking God for you and your ministry….come quickly Lord Jesus~

  • Dr. Reagan, I, too, am in the checkout line. In February, I will be 78. I am excited about what is to come when we check out of this existence. No more pain. That, alone is exciting! But the best of the best will be when I meet my maker. Oh, I have some answering to do but I am anxiously looking forward sitting at the feet of my Lord and Savior. Bless you, Dr. Reagan.

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