Genesis 45-48
Respect for the Elderly

After Joseph forgave his brothers, he immediately brought his father, Jacob, to live with him in Egypt. A touching scene unfolds in Genesis 47. Jacob, the old patriarch, is brought before the most powerful man in the world at that time-the Pharaoh of Egypt. One commentator stated two princes faced one another: the prince of Egypt and the prince of God.

What would happen? Would Jacob bow down? Would Pharaoh even acknowledge him? Remarkably, Pharaoh treated this old man with the highest respect; not because Jacob was a recognized king or commanded great power. He did so simply because it was the right thing to do. Then, even more surprising, we find Jacob actually blessing the Pharaoh (v. 7 & 10)-and Pharaoh accepts that blessing! This blessing was likely a word of salutation requesting God's watch over Pharaoh's well being. Ordinarily, no man would dare to suggest he bless Pharaoh, because blessing flowed from the greater to the lesser. And, you can almost see a smile on the face of Pharaoh, when he asked, "How old are you?" Pharaoh seems to have been genuinely amazed at this old man. What had he seen in his travels? What things had he experienced? Who had he met? Pharaoh had such respect for the elderly that his position as king meant nothing to him compared to his role as a younger man to give honor to those older than him.

The Bible calls on people to respect the elderly. Leviticus 19:32 states, "You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD." Also, the apostle Paul wrote of the church having the responsibility to care for those who were "widows indeed" (1 Timothy 5:3). Older people are to be honored simply because God said they were to honored. We must treat them with respect and speak respectfully to them, regardless of who we are or who they are. Like the Pharaoh, once we show respect, we begin to learn about them, which often builds greater respect.

What does it take to show respect? Two things stand out. First, a sense of selflessness is demanded. We often don't have time for others regardless of who they are because we are too busy thinking about ourselves. You must be able to look out of yourself to notice others, which is the heart of the command to show respect. When you notice them, you see what they go through and have gone through.

Second, we must have humility. Humility is the ability to lower yourself and elevate others.

As Leviticus tells us, when we show respect to our elders, we show respect for God. This is the way He wants things to be. So, make it a point to talk to an older person this week and really listen to them and their life. You'll be rewarded for it.