2 Samuel 19:33
‘The king said to Barzillai, ‘Cross over with me and stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you.’
Today I thank God I had years spent with my Lolo and Lolas. Almost half of my life, we stayed in my mom’s ancestral home (my family’s still there), while summertimes were always long trips to my dad’s side. Both my parents were firstborn (my dad, in gender at least) and so I’m part of the novelty set: favored and protected, haha :> That also meant I was old enough by the time they’re nearing their deathbeds. Their old age was marked with lessened hearing, weak bodies, and coughs here and there. Doubly difficult because my lolo had cancer, my lola’s diabetic, and my other lola had lung problems. But my memories with them were not all sickness and pain. I’d never forget how my lolo’s OC-ness and diligence made him painstakingly disassemble an entire fan just to clean it. Just last Holy Week, when my neighbor gave me a rice cake, I felt I went back to tasting my lola’s homemade puto and bibingka. And I’d forever cherish the moments I sat down and listened to my lola sharing her lovestory and giving me tips as well. Sometimes I wish I had more time with them. I could have had better stories to share.Barzillai. I have never heard his name in all my years in Sunday School and even inside Febias. I twice committed to read the Bible from cover to cover and I have no memory of him. Obviously, I missed his twelve-verse story. But David did not forget his deeds. Barzillai was the eighty year old, wealthy man, who along with Shobi and Makir (not popular to us either) sent beddings, bowls and bread to David in the desert. Ain’t grandparents’ welcome greeting always, ‘Have you eaten?’ Our elders have always been on the giving side. Always seeking our comfort, always mindful of our cares. He was there to send David off on his way back to Jerusalem. Barzillai had the excuse of age and physical discomforts not to be there. But it was his joy. Old age shouldn’t keep people from taking part in important events. I’m sure it warmed David’s heart to see him there sharing his victory, remembering he was also present during his struggles. In gratitude, when God favored David to have his throne back, he invited him to go up and stay with him, so he could provide for him. He was not even his relative! And he’s wealthy enough to get himself a personal nurse. What benefit could a king get from an old man anyway? But God taught David to show respect to the elderly in reverence to the Lord. To rise in the presence of the aged as tradition obliged the Hebrews. And although his offer was not accepted, he granted Barzillai’s wishes to take his servant instead while he return to his hometown. Shouldn't we also listen to what our seniors want and honor their wills? The account ended with the king kissing him and giving him his blessing, as honor befits every old man.
It’s not yet grandparents day, but in light of Mother’s Day, especially now that my generation more likely have senior citizen mothers, I do hope we pay them honor and respect, not just due them, but in obedience to God’s will. Leviticus19:32 strongly says, ‘Show respect to the aged; honor the presence of an elder; fear your God. I am God.’ God signed it Himself! He commands it. As children, it is our responsibility. Not the church, not some institutions, not our relatives. We are called to care for our parents in their old age. How can we expect other people to treat them with dignity when we, their own children, wouldn’t sacrifice some inconveniences for them? And who says it is all burdensome? Ain’t older wine better and the forest trees more majestic? They have so much wisdom to share and lots of love to give. Don’t worry, our time will come soon and when the tides' on us, wouldn’t we want to be treated likewise?
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