I do think the lyrics apply to me, well actually they apply to all Christians, whether you are moving into retirement or not. The official, get-a-paycheck life might be done. But when it comes to our real calling, working for God, it does not end - the beat goes on. Our calling doesn't stop. And why does the "beat go on?" Because of God's love everlasting. His love for us never ends. And God's grace continues to work in us for the remainder of our earthly life. Paul writes in Philippians 1:6 (NLT): "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." God is not done yet.
So as for me as I begin retirement, I need to try to discern what God will call me to do past the time of "appointed pastor." He still has equipped me for some work. God will show me what that is when He is ready. He will "continue his work until it is finally finished."
So, the beat goes on. And the race isn't finished.
Later in the letter to the Philippians, chapter 3, Paul explains that he has not achieved his goal yet of knowing Christ and experiencing His mighty power. He wants to suffer with Christ, sharing in his death, and experience the resurrection from the dead. He hasn't achieved that yet. But Paul says, "I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:14, NLT)
Paul is going to continue to run the race. He is not only going to run, but he is going to "press on." God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us to receive a heavenly prize, and Paul is going to press on to receive it.
The call for Paul is the call for me. It is the call for each of us. We are called to press on, to continue running the race, so that God will indeed continue the good work he started in each of us, until it is finished.
It is not finished yet! So, the beat goes on!
Grace and hope to you,
Pastor Doug
