Reverence. Leviticus 19:32. Reverence and respect for older people are not very popular today, in an era of “up with self” and “No fear.” It was taught in scripture and demonstrated by God's holy people as a sign of our reverence for Him. There was to be reverence for parents among God’s family because – “I am the Lord your God.” Reverence for the Sabbaths among God’s people because – “I am the Lord your God.” Respect for the Lord’s name in all our conversations should be obvious: "I am the Lord.” There is to be reverence for the Word of God in public because – “I am the Lord,” and respect for one’s body kept free of markings because – “I am the Lord.” Reverence for the sanctuary where we meet with God and His people is to be maintained because – “I am the Lord.” Reverence for the elderly, whose lives show evidence of a life lived for God, because – “I am the Lord.”
Does my aged head, with hair as white as snow, wrinkles, and flaws, deserve even the slightest respect without being asked? Does this face, which has seen so much over the years and that God, in His grace, shields from His Son’s bright light, reflect His holiness?
O, may this graying head of mine reveal the moral glories of my Lord and reflect His holy light. May I, in life, in word, in attitude, and in spirit, be made new and, with gratitude, show that Christ working through me can fulfill His purposes in saving me from the start. I don’t want to just reflect on the passing years. I don’t want merely to show that I have lived, by God’s help, a life that shared the Good News. What I most long for is that, in some way, my face might shine. Maybe a little “candlelight” could be reflected from my face, causing someone to wonder where that light comes from. I wonder if God could make this “hoary head” resemble the Lord Jesus, who came down from heaven. I desire for God to let Christ live in me so that reflections of Him would be seen in this old head.