Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 5, 2015
Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32
Years can bring improvement in decision-making, perspective, the understanding of people, our intimacy with God and those closest to us. The elderly represent a plethora of wisdom waiting to be tapped. They tell stories of real life events that challenge, educate and entertain. Those approaching their twilight years who love Jesus have an eternal perspective that is infectious. They see God for who He is.
Yet with all of these potentially positive traits, we stutter at spending time with the aged, even those who are our own flesh and blood. Why is this so? Yes, some are hard to get along with; others develop a staleness (having been trapped indoors), and others are very high maintenance. This is hard, yet it is temporary. Before you know it they will be gone. How many more days do you have with a parent, grandparent or mentor?
As the sand is rushing toward the bottom of the hour-glass, what are some ways you can demonstrate respect toward the elderly? One way is to spend time with them. Perhaps it is a regular visit to the nursing home or retirement center. Love them by showing up with flowers and by reading an uplifting portion of Scripture. Listen to their hopes, dreams and regrets. Throughout your conversation with the elderly capture in your memory the nuggets of wisdom, thoughts, ideas and places that resonate with how you do or don’t want to live your life. Look for those life snapshots you can emulate and pass them down to your children and children’s children.
Or, respect for your elders may express itself in them visiting you, rather than you visiting them. They may need to move in with you so you can love them 24/7. Yes, this is a huge commitment. It is harder to ‘raise’ your parents than it is to ‘raise’ your children. Their needs are more complicated and they certainly do not want to be told what to do, but you love them anyway.
You respect them, even when they are not respectable. Seize this time. Don’t let it slip by in the abyss of busyness. This is an opportunity for your kids to experience how you would like for them to treat you one day. Your respect for the elderly is a reflection of your reverence for God. Love, serve and respect them as if you were doing the same for Christ.
Prayer: How can I schedule regular time to learn from and love the elderly?
Related Readings: Job 32:4-6; Proverbs 16:31; Romans 13:7; 1 Timothy 5:1-2
Tweet this today: Our respect for the elderly is a reflection of our reverence for God. #respectelderly #WisdomHunters
Worship Resource: 5 minute video- Casting Crowns: Broken Together
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Lately, many of the related readings take me to a Bible Gateway grid with all books & chapters of the Bible instead of spill the selected verses right into the link. I don’t know what changed, but it’s really helpful to have them all together–sometimes I copy them and send to myself @ work for the day. Anyway–thanks for continued daily blessing!
Dear Sheila,
Thank you so much for contacting us about the related readings link. I have passed your comments on to someone who is going to take a look at it. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know. We are thankful that you are being blessed by the devotionals and hope that you will continue to be blessed by them.
In this season of thanksgiving and joy, we wish you and your family a merry Christmas!
Grateful~
Gwynne
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.”
Luke 2: 10