You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:32 (KJV)
Bottom line: The elderly in your midst are a blessing to you. Respect and honor them.
Teaching
God almighty teaches us the right way of living through his word. In His word, we get to understand his thoughts about diverse issues of our earthly lives. Our opening text says.
You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:32 (KJV)
The verse above is one of God’s instructions that he gave to His chosen people Israel, such that if they obey, they will live in prosperity and goodness.
God commands us to honor the elderly men and women among us. They are a symbol of long life and mercy.
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
Proverbs 16:31
it is gained in a righteous life.
Today, you find people who treat the elderly with contempt and dishonor. You find young men and women who abandon their elderly parents to old age homes, ashamed of making them part of their routine lives. Others abandon their aging parents with no care at all, focusing on building a wealthy life for themselves and their children.
The Bible says:
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
1 Timothy 5:8 (KJV)
They are a source of wisdom, and they have secrets of life that the young surely need.
Wisdom is with the aged,
Job 12:12 (ESV)
and understanding in length of days.
When we honor and respect them, our days on earth are longer and happier.
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),
3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
Ephesians 6:1-3 (ESV)
Love the elderly, respect and honor them, this is the commandment of the Lord.
Further Study
- Proverbs 23:22 [Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, And despise not thy mother when she is old.]
Reflection
- When last did you visit your parents or your grandparents with a gift to appreciate the love and care that they showed you throughout your life?
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for giving me parents and grandparents who took care of me and showed me love. I pray that you grant them long life, joy, and happiness throughout their last days on earth in Jesus’ name. Amen.
