Ming lived for more than 500 years before her demise in 2006. The quahog (large clam) had been nestled near Iceland when researchers plucked her from the ocean floor. After prying the creature open—ending her existence—they initially thought she was a record-breaking 402 years old. But further research revealed that she began life in 1499 and made it to the ripe old age of 507! Fortunately, scientists learned much from Ming, including data on changing sea temperatures over the last half-millennium.
It’s amazing what you can learn from an old clam! Even more important, however, is the wisdom we can gain from those who have walked with Jesus longer than we have.
Samuel, in his farewell address as a political leader of Israel, declared that he was now “an old, gray-haired man” (1 Samuel 12:2). He had lived through the closing years of the time of the Judges and had now reluctantly acquiesced to Israel’s desire for a king—something he and God knew was an unwise choice by the people (1 Samuel 8:7-9, 1 Samuel 12:19-20).
The prophet possessed great wisdom, having enjoyed an intimate, faithful walk with God for many years (1 Samuel 12:2). But the people were determined to have a monarch. So Samuel anointed Saul as Israel’s first king, acknowledging that God had allowed them to get what they wanted. But he also lamented, stating, “The LORD your God was already your king” (1 Samuel 12:12).
We also can fail to honor the wisdom of those who have walked closely with God—seeing gray hair as a sign of weakness, not strength. But Samuel reminds us that it’s an unwise and dangerous choice if we don’t carefully consider the words from seasoned believers in Jesus.
Those who have walked closely with God for many years can help us draw closer to Him and to His timeless wisdom.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 16:16-40
More:
Read Job 12:12 and consider what it says about age and wisdom.
Next:
What can cause us to sometimes dismiss the words of those who are older? Which wise, older believers in Jesus should you listen to more carefully?
Gary Shultz on November 2, 2015 at 5:48 am
The peculiar thing about getting older is there are continually less people older than yourself. Like it or not, we join the ranks of seniors. Our grandparents plowed with horses, our sons access a world wide web with wrist watch gadgets. With this expansive view we often tend to look over our shoulder and complain, I too often do. Our generation has not done a very good job of investing our faith in the younger set. To make ourselves more winsome and pull from the good and invest in our seeking young people. They face great pressure, they need to see God’s faithfulness and lessons He has taught us in a kind package. May we use the gift of our wisdom wisely. Thanks “sonny”
Tom Felten on November 2, 2015 at 8:29 am
Thanks for sharing, Gary. I love your idea of sharing biblical wisdom and faith-building life experiences with the next generation. It can be intimidating at times and require us to take risks, but as I look at my life, the affect of having mentors and older believers in Jesus sharing with me and helping me grow in my faith has been vital! Perhaps today we can think of at least one younger person (in faith and/or in years) to encourage in his or her faith. And for the young, perhaps you can think of a mentor that you can tap on the shoulder in seeking their godly insights.