Open Heaven 27 May 2022
MEMORISE: “Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren.” – (1 Timothy 5:1)
BIBLE READING: Proverb 30:11-14
There is a generation that curses its father,
And does not bless its mother.
12 There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.
13 There is a generation—oh, how lofty are their eyes!
And their eyelids are lifted up.
14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords,
And whose fangs are like knives,
To devour the poor from off the earth,
And the needy from among men.
Read yesterday’s Open Heaven Devotional here
Sadly, the generation referred to in the Bible reading for today – a generation that curses their own fathers, is living right now in the present times. This is a generation that is puffed up with pride, believing that they know more than the elders; they even call themselves ‘woke’. I am not talking about this because I am an elder myself, but rather because I love you and if I keep quiet, I would be a wicked father watching his children heading for destruction.
Indeed, although I have been criticized too many times, I must still say the truth as God has given it to us in the Bible. Our memory verse today is a clear and divine instruction showing how the younger generation must honour elders. Many youths however, have various excuses for disrespecting and insulting elders. One of such excuses they give is that no one is perfect.
They believe that even an elder can be wrong and corrected accordingly. That is correct; an elder can indeed be wrong, but while the Bible does not prohibit you from correcting him or her, it clearly says you should intreat such as a father or mother and not rebuke. When you criticize anyone in public, that is a rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20); it is against the word of God when done to elders.
If an elder has done something that you think is wrong, you could send him or her a message or write a letter stating politely what you think would have been correct; he or she would at least take cognisance of what you have said and make adjustments where necessary. Also, in the Church, while the youths may feel they have a lot of knowledge and are very agile, you must still give honour to the elders.
You shouldn’t just set them aside. You may have a lot of knowledge, but they are more versed in discerning the will of God. They have walked the path that you are walking and have a robust wealth of experience that you can gain a lot from. Give them the honour that they deserve. In fact, the Bible says that you should give them double honour. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. – (1 Timothy 5:17).
PRAYER POINT: Honour your elders.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 17-20
Thank you for studying today’s Open Heaven – Rebuke Not an Elder – written by Pastor Enoch A.
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Open Heaven 27 May 2022
