TOPIC: Serve The Elderly
MEMORISE: 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
BIBLE READING: 1 Timothy 5:1-4
1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.
4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
MESSAGE:
There are many old people in society today who are lonely because they have been forgotten. Sadly, some of these old people have children and relatives who have become too ‘busy’ to take care of them.
Beloved, there is a great blessing in taking the time to help an elderly person. I remember one time when I was walking through an airport with two bags in my hand. A young man saw me and simply greeted me, and I acknowledged his greeting. However, another young man, who was coming behind him, rushed to help me with the bags I was carrying, and I told him, “God bless you.” The first young man came back to me and asked, “Daddy, why didn’t you tell me ‘God bless you’ when I greeted you?” I replied him, “You saw me carrying two bags but didn’t help me. This young man helped me, and I asked God to bless him.”
My dear child, the elders have lived through various seasons of life, and they have a lot of experiences and wisdom to share. You will learn so much from them if you take time to care for them, help them, and listen to them. A simple conversation, a warm smile, or a thoughtful gesture from you can brighten their day and remind them that they are valued. Always ensure to value and appreciate the elders around you.
QUIZ: How does the Bible teach us to relate with our parents?
ACTION POINT:
Today is Mother’s Day. Call or visit an elderly woman you know and check on her welfare. Also, get a gift for your mother in appreciation of her motherly care.
HYMN 19 – Be Glad In The Lord And Rejoice
1 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
All ye that are upright in heart;
And ye that have made him your choice,
Bid sadness and sorrow depart.
Refrain:
Rejoice, rejoice! Be glad in the Lord and rejoice!
2 What though in the conflict for right
Your enemies almost prevail,
God’s armies, just hid from your sight,
Are more than the foes which assail.
3 Though darkness surround you by day,
Your sky by the night be o’ercast,
Let nothing your spirit dismay,
But trust till the danger is past.
4 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice,
His praises proclaiming in song;
Acclaim him with trumpet and voice,
The loud hallelujahs prolong.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: MARK 13:14-37, DEUTERONOMY 14-16
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye