We often hear that there’s no “retirement” in the Bible. Actually, that’s not quite true:

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “This applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall come to do duty in the service of the tent of meeting. And from the age of fifty years they shall withdraw from the duty of the service and serve no more. They minister to their brothers in the tent of meeting by keeping guard, but they shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites in assigning their duties.” (Numbers 8.23 – 26, ESV)

So it’s not true that there’s no retirement. The word retirement isn’t used, but the Levites only serve in their official tabernacle duties until age 50. After that, they serve by assisting the others.

Some pastors keep going and going and going, preaching the same kinds of sermons to the same people, with no succession plan. Then they pass away at age 80 or more, everyone is surprised, and no one knows what to do. Some formerly good churches have been ruined by splits in these cases.

Some of us need to get out of the way! We can advise. There have to be the means for people coming up to get their shot. It’s right here in Leviticus.

I’m still serving, and I hope to continue for a long time, but I’m not running anything anymore (and I used to love to run things!). Jim Downing, Navigator #6, served 24 years in the Navy, and 27 years on senior staff of The Navigators. Then he “retired,” remaining active until shortly before his death at age 104:

Jim officially retired in 1983, but in many ways his ministry was just beginning. His retirement allowed him to travel the world to speak and teach. His practical application of Scripture, his warmth and wit, made Jim a popular speaker, especially among college students. – From A Life Well Lived, By The Navigators in Organization News, February 13, 2018. 

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. (Hebrews 7.23, NIV)

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4.6, 7, NIV)

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90.2, ESV)