27 Jun 2021

Dear church family

At times when I need some advice in decision-making or have some struggles in life and ministry, I am thankful to God for a few elders in the Lord whom I can consult or share my heart with. The Bible is filled with examples and advice on seeking the wisdom of the elders who are God-fearing and faithful to the Lord.

I am thankful that in our St John’s Chapel community, we have many elders (seniors) who have walked faithfully with the Lord through the storms of life. Their life and example have been a blessing and encouragement to many.

I would like to share a Our Daily Bread devotional below, written by a Singapore ODB staff Ms Chia Poh Fang (8 March 2018).

Let us find time to chat with our elders, learn from their experiences and seek their wisdom in the Lord.

Blessings
Pastor John


Age-Old Wisdom           

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”   Job 12:12

In 2010, a newspaper in Singapore published a special report that contained life lessons gleaned from eight senior citizens. It opened with these words: “While aging brings challenges to mind and body, it can also lead to an expansion in other realms. There is an abundance of emotional and social knowledge; qualities which scientists are beginning to define as wisdom . . . the wisdom of elders.”

Indeed, wise older people have much to teach us about life. But in the Bible, we meet a newly crowned king who failed to recognize this (1 Kings 12:1–7, 12–17). King Solomon had just died, and in 1 Kings 12:3, we read that “the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam” with a petition. They asked the new king to lighten the harsh labour and heavy taxes his father Solomon had demanded of them. In return, they would loyally serve Rehoboam.

At first the young king consulted the elders (v6). But he rejected their advice and accepted the foolish counsel of the young men who had grown up with him (v8). He made the burden on the people even greater! His rashness cost him most of his kingdom.

All of us need the counsel that comes with years of experience, especially from those who have walked with God and listened well to His counsel. Think of the accumulated wisdom God has given them! They have much to share with us about the Lord. Let’s seek them out and give a listening ear to their wisdom.

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