Respect the Aged Among Us Leviticus 19:32

Respect the Aged Among Us  We will reflect on some passages from God’s word that will hopefully enrich our appreciation for the aged among us.  Let us use the information gleaned from God’s word in order to manifest the right spirit toward our elders.

Ungodly Attitudes Toward the Aged  And he who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. Ex 21:17 (NKJV)  For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon him. Lev 20:9 (NKJV)  'Cursed is the one who treats his father or his mother with contempt.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen!' Deut 27:16 (NKJV)  For God commanded, saying, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' 5 But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God"-- Matt 15:4-5 (NKJV)

Ungodly Attitudes Toward the Aged  The enemies of God’s people would have no mercy, even for the elderly: Deuteronomy 28:47-50; Isaiah 3:5; Lamentation 5:12  2 Kings 2:23-25: Ungodly youth in Bethel displayed a lack of reverence for the aged; were punished severely.  Romans 1:28-32…

Properly Regard the Aged  Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the L ORD your God is giving you. Ex 20:12 (NKJV)  See also Ephesians 6:1-3  'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' " 20 The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" Matt 19:19-20 (NKJV)  The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness. Prov 16:31 (NKJV)

Manifest (exhibit, show) Honor & Respect  'You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the L ORD. Lev 19:32 (NKJV)  So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the L ORD commanded him. Ex 19:7 (NKJV)  Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the L ORD. And they anointed David king over Israel. 2 Sam 5:3 (NKJV)

Manifest (exhibit, show) Honor & Respect  Job 32:4, 6-7: Elihu deferred his speaking to after hearing the aged speak.  Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger as sisters, with all purity. 1 Tim 5:1-2 (NKJV)  See also 1 Timothy 5:19-20

Manifest (exhibit, show) Honor & Respect  Practical ways to manifest honor.  Be polite, courteous.  Offer to provide support.  Take on the responsibilities that you can (1 Tim. 5:8).  Accept general differences of opinion (in matters of politics or social norms).  Ask for advice…

Listen to their words of wisdom  Moses heeded his father-law’s instruction on how to ease his burdens, Exodus 18:  1 Kings 12:6-11; Rehoboam asked for the advice of his elders, he rejected the advice in favor of his younger friends’. (Lesson?)  There was at least a bit of wisdom in what Bildad said (Job 8:8-10).  Consider the words of Job (Job 12:12).

Listen to their words of wisdom  A wise son heeds his father's instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Prov 13:1 (NKJV)  Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. Prov 19:20 (NKJV)  Listen to your father who begot you, And do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding. Prov 23:22-23 (NKJV)

Some concluding passages…  The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Psalms 90:10 (NKJV)  "I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; Dan 7:9 (NKJV)  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; Rev 1:14 (NKJV)

Some concluding passages…  Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matt 7:12 (NKJV)  And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' Matt 25:40 (NKJV)  But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb 13:16 (NKJV)

Today, we have considered…  Ungodly attitudes toward the aged.  How to properly regard the aged.  That we are to manifest respect for the aged.