ELDERS' WISDOM
Wk 24 Day 3
1 Kings 12:8
8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.
When we know the advice given to us by elders (and/or those who are above us in rank, age, etc) does not suit what we want to hear, it is most likely that we tend to go to the ones who would make us "feel better" and make things easier for us. However, we know this was not the case for Rehoboam. God was displeased with this and therefore, the kingdom eventually fell.
God has ordained older people to be our wise counsel. There may be times when we don't like what we hear or may take more work in order to do what is being told, yet we know in the long run, it is for our own good. We do leave a legacy to our children and pass this on to them. Therefore, if we want to pass a good legacy, it must start with us! (OUCH)
1 Kings 11:12 talks about Solomon's kingdom that will be destroyed during the time of his son's reign (not his reign for the sake of David). With this, we learn that the legacy we pass on to our children has something to do with our previous generation's obedience/disobedience to God as well as the legacy that we leave behind. For the sake of this, we must heed the call (every call) that God has put in our hearts. Yes, it is sometimes very difficult - yet we know this is what's best!
:: I still have a hard time completely trusting those who are my elders with regards to specific things in my life. Not that I don't trust them, because I do. Yet, I know I must be willing to allow God to work through me through them - their advice, counsel and wisdom. I believe that God has put them there for a reason and they are able to guide me through the walk of life as God has ordained them to be over me. Not that I can't trust my peers, but I know wisdom from elders - parents, older relatives, and friends, are still the better route.
Oh Lord Jesus, I pray that you will help me to completely trust You in things that I may have a hard time with - sometimes opening up to those who are older than me and those who are my elders. Please guide me to take leaps of faith in this area of my life that I may be guided in the things I have to do in life - esp the lifetime decisions that I will eventually make. I want to put my complete trust in You. I can do this through You Jesus who gives me strength. In Jesus' name, so be it!
