Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Elderly Generation: Custodians of fruitful life (Senior Citizens Day)
Luke 2:25-38
V29 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word…”
 

Andy Rooney, a famous radio and television writer, once said, “The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.” If you’ve ever sat down with a grandparent, an older mentor, or just an elderly friend, you know this quote to be true. They might not be the most technologically advanced as young people, but they may surprise us with nuggets of wisdom which we may not find in any book.
 
In today’s passage we see two elderly persons – Simeon and Hannah – who rejoice and praise God at the sight of the infant Jesus and recognize him as the Savior. The words of Simeon offer a glimpse into his heart that becomes a model for a fruitful elderly life.
 

  1. Peace with his circumstances
Simeon had peace in his heart and rejoiced that God had enabled his eyes to see the Savior. At a time when he could have spent time regretting his past, lamenting his present and worrying about his future, we see him at peace with his past, present and future because he is at peace with God. That is the closeness of his relationship with God
 
  1. Joy in the blessing of others
Simeon looked forward to the consolation of Israel. Now he rejoices in the fact that baby born to Mary and Joseph is indeed the Messiah who will save God’s people. Simeon is happy that God has blessed his people.
 
  1. Prophetic wisdom
Simeon re-inforces the fact that the baby born to Mary is destined to do great things that will be the cause of salvation for many and strife for others. In his prophetic wisdom he proclaims that the child is special. Among the hundreds of babies that must have passed through the Temple courts before their eyes, Hannah and Simeon have the prophetic wisdom to recognize that this is no ordinary infant.
 
Elderly people can make their life fruitful when
  1. They are at peace with everything in their lives and stop worrying
  2. They are happy with the good things that God does in the life of others
  3. They share their prophetic wisdom and pray for God’s intervention in this world.

Our elderly have spent their lives caring and sacrificing for us. And now it is our responsibility to treasure them and care for them. That is the only command in the Bible with a promise, “Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” 
 
PRAYER
Dear Lord, give us grace to care for our elderly and may their hearts be filled with joy and peace throughout the rest of their days, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
And in the end, it is not the years in your life that count, but life in your years.
  • - Abraham Lincoln

Rev. Thomas John, Carmel MTC, Boston
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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