Did you know that in a Pew Research Center Report done in 2014 on Attitudes about Aging, that the population of those 65 and older is expected to triple to 1.5 billion. That is staggering! Consider this stat that suggests that “an estimated 60 percent of nursing home residents never have visitors.” As Christians, how we embrace those aged speaks to the faith we hold so dear. Proverbs 23:22, “Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” The value of people, at all times of life, is important to God; thus, it should be important to us.
They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,
Psalm 92:14
It was George Burns who once said, “You can’t help getting older…but you don’t have to get old.” Here is a question, “Who among you is getting older?” You may think that it is a ridiculous question, but how many of us have given any thought to it. Like so many things in life, we shoot from the hip and hope for the best. Consider this scripture, “O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” (Psalm 71:17-18) Or how about this verse, “Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding.” (Job 12:12) Within our midst we have people who “have been there and done that” so to speak and have invested years in walking with the Lord. Time doesn’t assure wisdom, but it truly presents the opportunity for it to grow and it would be to the benefit of many if we sought to tap into it.
You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of
an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.
Leviticus 19:32
On Sunday, October 7th, after services, we are replacing our scheduled day of life groups with a special day of both honoring and seeking wisdom from two couples who have walked with the Lord in marriage for years. Lunch will be provided and so will child care. You are encouraged to write down questions and place them the box in the auditorium for them to consider. All we need to do is commit some time to visiting with them to glean from their experiences, helping us to prepare for what many never consider, aging. Thank You Lord for blessing us with those who have walked with You faithfully. Humble us to see the genuine need for them in our lives.
Dennis
