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Passing on the Legacy
In some cultures, old age is highly respected, and older people are well integrated into society and looked to for advice and wisdom. In other cultures, senior citizens are seen as being no longer productive and are ignored and marginalized. The latter view seems to be growing worldwide. Caleb gives a wonderful example of the positive use of one’s old age.
Caleb avoids the extremes normally associated with the senior years. He does not allow himself to be intimidated by others because of his years. He does not simply give up on life and withdraw. He does not use his age as an excuse for not being involved in his community. Neither does he hang on to his position and see all attempts of younger people to lead as personal threats.
What does Psalm 92:12–15 say about old age?
It has been said that God has no grandchildren. As long as God remains the God of my fathers, He has nothing to do with me, personally. Caleb knows that every generation must have its own experience with God. The Israelites, collectively and individually, could not live off the miracles of Egypt, or even the wilderness experience of their parents. Caleb sees it as his duty to create an environment for the younger generation to take their first steps of faith.
What sort of experience is Caleb facilitating in Judges 1:12, 13? How does he do this?
The people of Judah are taking possession of their land. The tribes of Judah and Simeon cooperate and work together in faith in order to make good on God’s promises. But on coming up against the fortified city of Kirjathsepher (vs. 12), they face a tremendous challenge. We know from archaeology about the often elaborate design of Late Bronze Age fortification systems in Palestine. However, instead of focusing on the walls, Caleb sees this challenge as an opportunity for growth. Here someone can claim God’s promises and have the victory. Although it may sound strange to us, Caleb offers a wonderful incentive. Whoever conquers the city would become his son-in-law. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew (Judg. 1:13), takes up the challenge, and God gives him victory. Through Caleb’s nurturing, a new hero is born. Caleb’s investment would pay rich dividends in later years. God would use this young man as Israel’s first judge and deliverer (Judg. 3:7–11).
As you have matured, how have your attitudes changed? What have you learned simply by having more years of experience? How can you avoid letting the years simply entrench you even more deeply in wrong habits and attitudes?
| WEDNESDAY | October 6 |
In some cultures, old age is highly respected, and older people are well integrated into society and looked to for advice and wisdom. In other cultures, senior citizens are seen as being no longer productive and are ignored and marginalized. The latter view seems to be growing worldwide. Caleb gives a wonderful example of the positive use of one’s old age.
Caleb avoids the extremes normally associated with the senior years. He does not allow himself to be intimidated by others because of his years. He does not simply give up on life and withdraw. He does not use his age as an excuse for not being involved in his community. Neither does he hang on to his position and see all attempts of younger people to lead as personal threats.
What does Psalm 92:12–15 say about old age?
It has been said that God has no grandchildren. As long as God remains the God of my fathers, He has nothing to do with me, personally. Caleb knows that every generation must have its own experience with God. The Israelites, collectively and individually, could not live off the miracles of Egypt, or even the wilderness experience of their parents. Caleb sees it as his duty to create an environment for the younger generation to take their first steps of faith.
What sort of experience is Caleb facilitating in Judges 1:12, 13? How does he do this?
The people of Judah are taking possession of their land. The tribes of Judah and Simeon cooperate and work together in faith in order to make good on God’s promises. But on coming up against the fortified city of Kirjathsepher (vs. 12), they face a tremendous challenge. We know from archaeology about the often elaborate design of Late Bronze Age fortification systems in Palestine. However, instead of focusing on the walls, Caleb sees this challenge as an opportunity for growth. Here someone can claim God’s promises and have the victory. Although it may sound strange to us, Caleb offers a wonderful incentive. Whoever conquers the city would become his son-in-law. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew (Judg. 1:13), takes up the challenge, and God gives him victory. Through Caleb’s nurturing, a new hero is born. Caleb’s investment would pay rich dividends in later years. God would use this young man as Israel’s first judge and deliverer (Judg. 3:7–11).
As you have matured, how have your attitudes changed? What have you learned simply by having more years of experience? How can you avoid letting the years simply entrench you even more deeply in wrong habits and attitudes?
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