Keeping Up With the Old Guys

“The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendour of old men is their grey head.”
Proverbs 20:29 (NKJV)

A few months ago, Bill Del Monte passed away. He was 109 years old. But that’s not what caught my attention. Bill was also a one-of-a-kind guy. He was the last surviving San Franciscan who lived through the 1906 earthquake that levelled his city. One could think that after living through that, Bill would have wanted to get as far away from the city as he could. But the opposite is true. Bill stayed with San Francisco, always showing up to the commemorative gathering at Lotta’s Fountain before dawn. He was a link with the past, a living reminder of San Francisco’s past and re-birth.

Bill’s story reminded me of this passage in Proverbs: “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory; it is found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). In this day and age, when so many people are trying to hide their age or try to act younger than they really are, it’s good to read a verse like that in Proverbs. Don’t get me wrong—I love seeing our younger generation of believers rising up and taking the lead on projects. But that doesn’t mean that those of us with grey hair don’t have anything to add to the conversation. The wisdom of the old has always been there to guide future generations into the righteous ways of God. In many ways, it’s a great responsibility and also a great joy.

See how the Bible puts it in Psalms: “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come” (Psalm 71:17-18, ESV).

I love the way the Psalmist puts that—“Do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation.” We serve a great God, one who has guided us out of darkness and into light. I know that he is faithful to continue his guidance as a new generation of leaders comes of age in our communion. I pray that those of us who have witnessed God’s greatness will continue to testify for many years to come.

Prayer
Almighty Father, there’s little fun in growing old. But we acknowledge that the older we grow the more dependent we become on you. We ask for your help in discharging our responsibilities to guide those following behind us. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen 

Study by Joseph Tkach

__________________________________________________

About the Author:
Joseph Tkach is the President of Grace Communion International (the Denominational name of The Worldwide Church of God UK), and resides in California, USA.

Local Congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local Church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.gracecom.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Contact:
Email: admin@daybyday.org.uk