Over the past three weeks we have been looking at the revolutionary impact of the Holy Spirit on individuals and in the world. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit is for all people so there can be no room for any type of racism, nationalism, tribalism and anti-Semitism; there can be no discrimination between men and women, no superiority or inferiority; and barriers between generations are broken down for there can be no ageism or prejudice against people because they are young or because they are old.
When we are filled with the love of God, we need to love, value and respect people of all ages. When older and younger people live together in unity there is great blessing. King’s Church International is not only a multi-racial church for men and women, but also we are a multi-generational church, and from Genesis and throughout the Bible we see that God wants to bless not just one generation but all generations (Deuteronomy 7:9). Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost concluded in Acts 2:38-39 saying: …and you will receive the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call. One clear sign of God is being at work is when generations are united:
• There is blessing when generations are united in family life
• There is blessing when generations are united in church life
• There is blessing when generations are united in the world (Malachi 4:5)
We see that:
1. God wants us to value both the young and the old (Exodus 20:12; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Proverbs 23:22; Matthew 18:6; Psalm 145:4-7)
2. God pours out His Spirit on young and the old (Deuteronomy 34:7)
3. God gives great revelation to young and old (Psalm 92:12-14; Psalm 71:6-7, 17-19)
Apply
Do you honour and value those of different generations? In contrast to the rebellious attitudes that cause stress in so many homes, Christians are commanded from early years and for all years to honour their parents (Exodus 20:12). This means to respect, to value, to obey, to love and to help their parents. In a world where so many older people are abandoned and lonely and are especially vulnerable in this time of pandemic, Christian families and the church family should really care for older people. They should always be careful to speak and listen with respect and appreciation (1 Timothy 5:1-2; Proverbs 23:22). Equally children and younger people should be treated with great kindness and not harshness in the home and be protected in the world. Jesus used children as an example of those who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven and spoke of their great value (Matthew 18:6). Fathers and mothers, both natural and spiritual, must pass on what they know and do their best to equip children and young people to be morally, spiritually, emotionally, relationally and intellectually strong (Psalm 145:4-7). God wants us to value young and old.
Do you truly believe God can use you powerfully, no matter your age? Are you ready to take hold of all that God has for your future and to serve Him wholeheartedly, no matter how many years you have left on the earth? You are not too young or too old to receive the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit. He will come to anybody who is humble and hungry. So often it’s been young people who have been leaders in great Christian awakenings. But God also uses older people both to shape world history and church history:
• Moses started his mission of freeing the Israelites from Egypt when he was 80 and died 'as strong as ever' at 120. (Deuteronomy 34:7)
• Sir Winston Churchill was 65 when he became Britain’s war time Prime Minister. He became Prime Minister for the second time a month before his 77th birthday, retired at 80 and died at 90.
• Billy Graham was still preaching to big crowds in stadiums into his 80s. He held his last official three-day mass meeting at 85 and died in his 100th year.
• General William Booth at the age of 83 gave his final and most powerful address to a crowd of 7,000 from the Salvation Army at the Royal Albert Hall.
There are many examples of men and women of God in history who could say like Caleb in the Old Testament at the age of 85 that he was still vigorous and ready to take possession of all that God had promised. But maybe you are older and not be feeling that strength, or maybe you are young and feeling weak and intimidated by situations you face. Do not worry! The Holy Spirit is your great helper. Both young and old can receive the power of the Spirit to live our lives and fulfil our destinies.
Whether you are having dreams or visions, you need to see that God is always at work for good. Your mind needs to always be open to new and limitless possibilities. God wants to show all of us that He is in control and that He can do great things in us, for us and through us. There are so many promises of God for all of us to focus on, especially when as we get older (Psalm 92:12-14; Psalm 71:6-7, 17-18).
Come to the Cross in prayer today and take time to ask the Holy Spirit to fill and change your heart. For:
• All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory
• All of us need to be forgiven
• All of us need to forgive
• All of us need the Holy Spirit to help us.
Repent of any ageism or prejudice against other generations you've allowed in your life - any wrong words you have spoken, wrong attitudes, wrong actions and dishonour towards parents or elders. Receive forgiveness from God and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to forgive others. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, to open your mind to the possibilities of how God wants to use you to fulfil His purposes no matter your age, and to take hold of the promises of God from the Bible. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you.
