“There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.”
(Acts 21:16)
Those who correspond with me by email are familiar with the above term, “An Old Disciple” ; it is the benediction if most of my letters. It impressed me years ago, while just a young man, and means even more to me now as an aged saint. We know little of Mnason from the scripture, and most comments are speculation. But, at the end of the day all we really need to know about him is found in the three words quoted. One thing we can be certain of: he was unwavering over the years; and still learning.
Starting right does not guarantee one will end right. If you doubt me, ask Demas, along with a host of other turncoats. It takes sinew of soul to see it through to the end as a follower of Christ. To be true to God over a long period of time one needs to settle his life in concert with Christ, not build it on shifting sand. Prior to departing this life to face the One he loved and served Paul said, “I have kept the faith.” Andrew Bonar wrote, “Very few keep to the end the edge that was on their spirit at the first.”
Jacob told his brother Esau, “Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly,” Gen. 33:14. Many of us, like Jacob, now have a limp in our spiritual step-we can no longer stay up with our brethren. We may not win the race but we can finish our course! We can remain faithful to the end. It is not difficult; you just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Many have found as they near home they find themselves running. Something about “HOME” revitalizes a person!
“OLD SOLDIERS NEVER DIE, THEY JUST FADE AWAY.”
(General Douglas MacArthur )
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