“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:32

There are countless scriptures in the Bible which teaches us to honor the elderly and listen to their wise counsel. Infact one of the curses God says he will send, is that the children of Israel will NOT have elders during their time of trouble, to seek for counsel! Evidently the counsel from the aged, is like a precious jewel!!!

When Jeev n’ I were newly married, we used to attend many youth meetings. After the youth meetings were over, our friends used to press us to hang around and chit chat. Jeev never allowed me to stay around after a certain point of time. When he said we’ve got to go, it was absolutely time for me to get going! He was pretty strict about that! I never understood why!

Many years later, while in conversation with one of our good family friends who was also a part of the youth groups we used to attend, he gave the reason Why! Jeev’s dad had always told him, “Never hang around after a certain time with friends, it always leads to unwanted and unnecessary conversations”. Our friend went on to say that we were wise to leave, coz what used to start as neat conversations, always ended up in unnecessary talk!!!

Whatever the situation maybe, a word of counsel from the elders in your family and church is LIFE! It is a blessing to surround yourself with elders who have your best interest in mind. They have seen much more than you and I have!!

“Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life.” Job 12:12

The blessing of the elders was so coveted in the old testament so much so that Esau wanted to almost kill Jacob for stealing his rightful blessing from his aged father Isaac!! And upon the descendants of Joseph, it’s amazing how Joseph brings his two sons Ephraim and Manasseh to His father Jacob to receive his father’s blessing. It almost seems like God kept Jacob alive to release the blessing upon Ephraim and Manasseh (Joseph’s sons).

When the elders rise up and bless you, that blessing lasts for generations to come! Treasure it with every beat of your heart!! And in whatever way you can, honor your elders!!!

“The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.” Numbers 11:16-17

“The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried: “Amen, Hallelujah!” Revelation 19:4

From Genesis to Revelation, the elders are an integral part of the scriptures. Such values are fading away with time, but to us who seek to draw closer to the heartbeat of God, may it shine brighter and brighter!

Blessed day!!