The Weekly Focal Point - July 31
Respect the Aged
There is a little verse tucked away in the book of Leviticus that reveals an oft-neglected value among those making a claim to godliness. We often miss these seemingly obscure biblical insights because we read much of the Old Testament as wholly obsolete for our new covenant Christian lives. While it is true that Christ has fulfilled the ceremonial rules of the Mosaic Law, so much of what God revealed to the early Israelite shows us his eternal values and changeless character. Consider Leviticus 19:32, “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly.” Many would consider standing when an older person enters the room as some kind of stodgy formalism or just a cute southern tradition, but according to Leviticus 19, such gestures of respect are essential for those who desire to “revere the Lord” (v.32b). God tells us that the elderly among us should be granted our esteem, if for nothing else, because God has granted them grace to live to a “good old age” (Gen.25:8). Of course, in most cases there is much more for which they should be respected. Their many years of life-experience and accumulated wisdom should be a cause for our sincere expressions of respect (Job 12:12). So the next time a “senior” walks into your presence, may God’s value of the aged prompt you to sincerely convey your kindness and admiration.
Pastor Mike
JULY OFFER
Relationships make up the fabric of our daily lives between family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. But there is no relationship as vital as the one that exists between us and our Maker. Apart from this divine relationship, we can never be satisfied. The longing we experience deep in our souls is evidence for the fact that we were created by God to enjoy Him and know Him. Tragically, this relationship was severed when sin entered the world. And yet, that God-shaped hole in our hearts is aching to be filled. That’s where Jesus comes in. Through His sacrifice, not only were we declared innocent of our sin, the possibility for relationship with God was restored: “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus … let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:19, 22).
Nothing in life is more important than cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God. It is my sincere prayer that you are growing every day in your walk with Him, and that you find Focal Point an encouragement to you in the journey. As your relationship with God grows and develops, thank you for joining me in pointing others toward the satisfaction that is found only in Jesus. This month at Focal Point, we have selected the 5-part CD series from Hebrews 10 called A Closer Relationship with God: Getting Motivated to Deepen Our Walk with God as a way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount to the ministry.
Request A Closer Relationship with God by Pastor Mike Fabarez with your donation this month.
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