INTRODUCTION

The strength of any people will be determined by how they deal with two people groups: their young and their old. If at any point, either of these two groups becomes viewed as simply burdensome, both will cease to effectively attain God’s intended desire for society. The aged members of society are most often its wisest. They have had successes and failures and learned from both (Deuteronomy 32:7Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
See All...). They have witnessed the Lord’s provision through difficult times (Psalm 37:25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
See All...). God purposed for the aged to instruct the young in practical and spiritual matters (Titus 2:1-11 [1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: [2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. [3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; [4] That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, [5] To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. [6] Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. [7] In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, [8] Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. [9] Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; [10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. [11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
See All...). While the young should feed off of the wisdom of the aged, the elderly members of society can be nourished by the joy, strength, and life of younger people (Ruth 4:15And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The Bible testifies of children helping their parents. David made sure his parents were safe when Saul chased him (1 Samuel 22:3-4 [3] And David went thence to Mizpeh of Moab: and he said unto the king of Moab, Let my father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, and be with you, till I know what God will do for me. [4] And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold.
  See All...). Joseph brought his father into Egypt where there was plenty of food (Genesis 45:16-18 [16] And the fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come: and it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. [17] And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto thy brethren, This do ye; lade your beasts, and go, get you unto the land of Canaan; [18] And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land.
  See All...). Jesus made sure His mother would be cared for after He returned to heaven (John 19:26-27 [26] When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! [27] Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Would you be considered young or old? How could you best benefit those in your family, church, or community? Can you offer wisdom? Can you be a nourisher of someone’s old age?
• Around what people (young or aged) do you spend the bulk of your time and expend your energies? How could you benefit from fellowshipping with people who are both older and younger than yourself?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for the godly influences in your life.
• Ask the Lord to help you strengthen others.

HYMN

BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS

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