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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Today’s society often values – to the point of worshipping – the nimbleness and energy of youth, while undervaluing – to the point of dismissing – the wisdom and knowledge of the elderly. Harvard professor Arthur Brooks identifies the best of both by characterizing what he calls fluid intelligence; which includes problem solving, quickness of thought, memory, adaptation and pliability and crystallized intelligence; which is the volume of knowledge that an individual continues to attain as they mature, gaining insight and wisdom that is derived largely through experience.1Wisdom being the ability to use what we know well.
Neither is necessarily better than the other, highlighting the fact that it is indeed important to value youth and age. But there are fields where crystallized intelligence is prized and essential. For example: A doctors value goes up according to the experience he has treating patients even as we anticipate the new procedures and techniques of the younger practitioners graduating from medical school. College professors are regarded more highly the longer they teach, research and write. You must be 35 or older to be considered for the Presidency of the United States. Coaches are often hired and promoted on the basis of their length in the business and their past experiences and accomplishments. (Andy Reid, coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, is in his mid-60’s – his most productive years being his last five.) A unique example of those transitioning from fluid intelligence to crystallized intelligence are athletes, who, to stay relevant must – over time – adjust and adapt as they lose raw physical ability and begin to rely on their knowledge of the game to continue playing.
Many cultures have shown deference for their aging citizens, the Judeo/Christian tradition modeling this respect for elders. (See Leviticus 19:32 & Ephesians 6:12) This issue of respect is dealt with more in Luke’s Gospel than the others; it’s author specifically noting Jesus concern for the lowly, marginalized, broken, picked on and pushed around – all those who felt unseen, alone, or second class at best.2 Women such as Mary Magdalene, Martha and Mary; “sinners”, such as tax collectors and Samaritans. A poor widow who gave her last “mite”, the blind and crippled along the road, lepers – shunned and cast outside the walls of the city. All spotlighting the fact that Jesus, “…came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
At the very beginning of his Gospel, Luke mentions people the other Gospels don’t, Elizabeth and Zechariah; a couple too old to give birth to the prophet who would announce Jesus to the world – but who did anyway. Simeon, an old man ready to die and Anne, a very old woman serving in the temple, were the first to actually “proclaim” the baby Jesus as, “a light” to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. ( Luke 2:25-38) Which shouldn’t be surprising, God had often used the ordinary to achieve the extra-ordinary. Abraham and Sarah were 76,65 when told to leave the familiar confines of home for a promise, part of which was a child, whom Sarah finally had when she was 90 and Abraham 100. Moses was 80 when called to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt and spent another 40 years with them wandering the desert, forming a nation and receiving/devising the laws to guide them into the future. God routinely choosing those considered past their prime to accomplish his purposes.
Blessing and using infertile couples had a long history throughout scripture before Elizabeth and Zechariah. Consider Abraham and Sarah, their son Isaac and daughter-in-law Rebekah, and their son Jacob and daughter-in-law Rachel, along with Hannah and Elkanah – the parents of the famed prophet Samuel. God often uses improbable people to accomplish the impossible, those who have learned enough patience and humility to say ‘It’s not about me.’; having gained a lifetime of wisdom and putting their trust, however weakly at times, in God.
Not overlooking the young, God visited a 13or 14year old girl, who likewise exemplified similar characteristics to bring about the most significant event since creation; a recreation if you will. A mere girl from an insignificant family that lived on the “wrong side of the tracks.” Partnering with this scared but willing servant of the Lord ( Luke 1:38), God chose an equally insignificant carpenter from the same part of town. David was just a boy when he confronted Goliath and soothed his king and still young when he ascended the throne himself. Esther was a young woman when she saved the Jewish people in Persian exile from genocide. Samuel was very young when he first heard and responded to God’s call to serve Him. Timothy, Paul’s adopted son in the faith, was instructed by him to not, “…let anyone look down on you because you are young.” Done in large part by, “…set(ting) an example…” through your speech, behavior, love, faith and purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 In other words, be above reproach and you will be respected. From using older discounted people to calling younger dismissed ones, God accomplishes his purposes in the world.
These characteristics summed up in the song “Nobody” by Casting Crowns:
Why You ever chose me has always been a mystery. All my life I've been told I belong at the end of the line. With all the other Not-Quites, with all the Never-Get-It-Rights. But it turns out they're the ones You were looking for all this time.
I'm just a nobody, tryin' to tell everybody, all about Somebody Who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me You gave my heart a song to sing. I'm living for the world to see nobody but Jesus3
Check back next week for more on God’s penchant for lifting up the lowly.
1From Mr. Brooks book, From Strength to Strength
2 A description of the people Jesus focused on in the Gospel of Luke by Adam Hamilton in his book, Luke – Jesus and the outsiders, outcasts and outlaws , Abingdon Press
3Written by Bernie Herms | Mark Hall | Matthew West, © 2018 My Refuge Music
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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