Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Elderly: Source of Blessing
Philips Zachariah
Trinity MTC, Houston,
TX
19 But his father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I
know; he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great. Nevertheless
his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a
multitude of nations.”
In eastern cultures and
traditions, elders are placed at a higher level of esteem and respect because
of their life experiences and roles as principal provider of the household.
Younger generations look up to them for moral guidance and wisdom as they are
seen closer to God spiritually. In the Old Testament we see that parents or
elders are representatives of God on earth, and they should be honored and
revered.
Here
in the passage we see that Jacob (Israel), even though of ill health and poor
sight, was able to see clearly and act with resolve when it came to blessing
his grandchildren. Even though his son, Joseph, tried to correct him using his
earthly understanding and discernment, Jacob was one with God and exercised
God's will when it came to blessing his grandchildren.
Just like Esau in the devotion, many a times we tackle difficult
situations using our understanding and limited experiences, but when we
approach our elders, they show us their perspective with a Godly dimension
towards problem solving. We need to be thankful and appreciate our
elders, who are a constant source of blessing in our life through their
unceasing prayers and Godly insights.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to love and
cherish our elders during their life on earth with us. Help us to be patient,
caring and understanding in our dealings with them and know that it is your
will that needs to be done in our lives and we need to submit ourselves to you
completely, just like our elders, in order to be a blessing.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Listen and obey your
elders for they have found God's favor.