Day 21 — Honor the Gray Head

“You are to rise in the presence of the elderly, honor the aged, and fear your God. I am the LORD.”

— Leviticus 19:32 (BSB)

When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple, two very old people were waiting there.

One was a man named Simeon. God had promised Simeon that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Savior. For years, maybe decades, Simeon waited. When he saw baby Jesus, he took Him in his arms and praised God: Now I can die in peace, because I have seen Your salvation!

The other was a woman named Anna. She was very old too, at least eighty-four. She had spent most of her life in the temple, worshiping God and praying day and night. When she saw Jesus, she thanked God and told everyone about Him. (You can read about them in Luke 2:25–38.)

Out of everyone in Jerusalem, God chose two elderly people to recognize His Son and welcome Him. They had spent long lives walking with God, and they knew Him well.

God cares about older people. In Leviticus, He told His people to “rise in the presence of the elderly.” In those days, standing up when an older person came into the room was a way of showing respect. It said, You matter. Your life and your wisdom are important.

Our world often ignores older people. They might move slowly, tell long stories or not understand technology. Some are lonely, especially those who live in nursing homes or whose families live far away. But God says to honor them.

Here are some ways to honor older people:

• Listen to their stories. Ask them what life was like when they were your age.
• Ask about their faith. Many have walked with God for a long time and have amazing stories of His faithfulness.
• Be patient. Slow down for them.
• Help them. Carry groceries, open doors or help with chores.
• Visit them. A visit from a young person can brighten a lonely day.
• Say thank you. For their prayers, their wisdom and what they’ve done.

You might be surprised at how much you can learn from someone who has lived a long life with God.

Think about it: Who is an older person in your life? What could you learn from them?

Try this: Call, write to or visit a grandparent or another older person this week. Ask them to tell you about a time God helped them.

Dear God, thank You for the older people in my life. Help me honor them, listen to them and learn from them. Please bless them and take care of those who are lonely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.