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Young Heroes of the Bible

Youth Day
February 8, 2009

    We hear so much negative news about young people today.  There are drugs, gangs, drop-outs and crime.  But Solomon said, “It is better to be a . . . wise youth than to be an old and foolish king . . .” (Ecc. 4:13).

    Also, in the Scriptures there are many examples of teenagers who were unusually committed and productive:

1.  Joseph was a favorite son of his father, Jacob.  “When Joseph was seventeen years old, he often tended his father’s flocks . . .” (Gen. 37:2).

    Unfortunately terrible things happened to him.  His own brothers threatened his life and sold him into slavery.  He was falsely accused of a crime and thrown into prison.  But eventually he became a prime minister in Egypt and saved his family and nation from starvation.

2.  Joshua was an aide to Moses at a young age.  “Joshua . . . had been Moses’ personal assistant since his youth . . .” (Num. 18:28a).

    After Moses’ death, he replaced the great leader and led the Children of Israel into the Promised Land.  His defining moment came with an early spiritual decision.  He said, “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Josh 24:15).

3.  Samuel was dedicated to God by his mother as a young child.  “As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him . . .” (I Sam. 3:1,19).

    He heard God’s call and responded; serving in the tabernacle for many years and crowning Saul the first King of Israel.

4.  David was one of the greatest heroes of the Bible.  When he volunteered to fight Goliath, King  Saul said, “Don’t be ridiculous!  There is no way you can go against this Philistine. You are only a boy . . .” (1 Sam. 17:32-33). But he prevailed and later became a military leader, a poet, a musician and a king.

5.  Jeremiah was an intelligent and deep minded philosopher and writer.  When the Lord gave him a message.  He said, “ ‘I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!’ ” ‘Don’t say that,’ the Lord replied, ‘for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you’ ” (Jer. 1:4-8).

    Jesus later quoted much from Jeremiah’s writings.

6.  Daniel was kidnaped and carried away into Babylon. The Scriptures tell us that the King said, “ ‘Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,’  But Daniel made up his mind not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king’ ” (Dan. 1:4-8, 14-17).

      He remained true to his faith, praying and witnessing even in the lion’s den.

7.  Timothy was Paul’s assistant as a minister and a missionary.  Paul gave him special encouragement and advise.  Saying, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers . . .” (I Tim. 4:12-14a).

8.  Then, Jesus, himself, showed spiritual promise at the age of 12.  He questioned and discussed religious doctrine with the teachers and priests when his family took him to Jerusalem. (See Luke 2:42).

    Now, what principles should young people follow? 

I.  FIRST, PAUL SAYS, “RESPECT YOUR PARENTS”

    “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.  Honor your father and mother” (Eph. 6:1,2a).

    Sometimes that’s hard because parents often say, “I love you!” by giving commands and restricting your freedom.  They say,“Fasten your seat belt”; and “Do your homework!”; Be home by 10 o’clock”; “Don’t skateboard in the street.” 

    Now, they don’t hassle you because they hate you.  They don’t boss you because they want to ruin your life.  Instead, they do it because they love you.

    Picture two knights going into battle.  The first knight wears a suit of armor.  His head is covered by a heavy helmet.  His body is encased in massive metal plate.  The second knight only wears a T-shirt and jeans.

    Now, which knight would you rather be?  The first knight is rather miserable.  It gets stuffy and sweaty inside that heavy suit, and it’s hard to scratch your back.  The second knight is totally free of such restraints.  Is he luckier?  No!  The first knight may feel restricted by all that armor, but he wears it for his own good.  The second knight may have more freedom, but he’s totally unprotected.

    It’s the same with us.  Our parent’s commands and restrictions protect us!

II.  SECOND, SOLOMON SAYS, LISTEN TO GOOD ADVICE.

    “A wise son takes his father’s advice: (Prov. 13:1).

    So, be patient with your parents and all adults.  We mean well.  Remember you have never been 30, 40 or 60 years old, but we have been 13,15 and 17.

    You need to train your conscience while you’re young.  Studying the Bible and listening to the wisdom of older Christians are good ways to do that.

    Some kids do wrong and get into trouble because they’ve run through the red light of their conscience so many times that they’ve become color blind.  Unfortunately when you run a red light, you’re likely to have a wreck. 

    One father, who was explaining this said, “Son, when you’re not sure what’s right, observe the yellow caution light and slow down until you know what to do.”

    A wealthy man was giving a driving test before he hired a chauffeur.  As the first applicant began driving, the millionaire said, “How close can you steer to the edge of the cliff without falling off” The driver, eager to show his skill, drove within a few feet of the dangerous bluff.  When they finished the millionaire said, “Thank you!  We’ll let you know.”

    The second driver got behind the steering wheel.  Again, the millionaire said, “How close can you steer to the edge of the cliff without falling off.”  The driver was determined to outdo the first applicant, so he drove within inches of the cliff.  Afterward, the millionaire said, “Thank you!  We’ll let you know.”

    A third driver was given the same instructions.  But he balked, saying, “No Sir!  I wouldn’t go near the edge of that cliff no matter how much money you paid me!”  The millionaire smiled and answered, “You’re hired!”

    You see, these requests were not intended to test the driver’s skill.  They were intended to test the driver’s judgment.  When he found a man who would avoid danger, even if it meant losing a job, he knew he had found a safe driver.

    Young people must steer clear of danger by avoiding temptation.  God doesn’t want us see how close we can get to sin without giving in.  He wants us to look at temptation and say, “No way!  I’m not getting near that!”

    Paul says, “Run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good” (1 Tim.  6:11).

III.  THIRD, PAUL SAYS, “KEEP BUSY AND BE PRODUCTIVE”

    “Do not be lazy but work hard.  Serve the Lord with all your heart” (Rom.  12:11).

    An old adage says, “Idle hands are a devil’s workshop.”  We’re made to move.  We’re going to do something.  So doing constructive and creative activities keeps us from doing destructive and dangerous activities.  School, church, sports, chores and hobbies are good, but we need to use our time well.

    A boy named Tim was playing a video game when his father walked by and held out a hard clump of clay.  “Weren’t you supposed to mold something out of this for school?”

    “Oh, I forgot all about my art project!  I’ll have to hurry and finish it.”

    “Well, I’m afraid it’s too late.”  replied his father.  “It’s already hard.”

    Tim frowned.  “I really do mean to get things done,” he said.  “Only I keep putting them off.”

    His dad smiled and said, “I used to do that, but then I realized that I was wasting my life.  Each day is a gift from God.  We must use it wisely, because it will never come our way again.

    So, stay busy and productive.

IV.  FOURTH, WE MAY BE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT THE BIBLE SAYS IT’S OKAY TO HAVE FUN.

    The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Young man, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it . . . But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do” (Ecc. 11:9).

    So, live a balanced life.  Work and study, but also hang out with your friends.  Play games.  Watch your favorite TV shows; but be sure your fun is something Jesus would do.

V.  FINALLY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE SCRIPTURES TELL US TO DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

    The Writer of Ecclesiastes says “Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator . . .” (Ecc. 12:1).

    Your Christian witness is important, even if you’re only a child.  A little boy named Fred picked up a picture of his grandfather and said, “I sure miss Grandpa.”  His mom answered, “Yes!  He set a good example for you.  He was faithful in worship and always gave his time and his money to help others.”

    Fred nodded.  “I don’t know of anyone who can take Grandpa’s place.”

    His mother smiled, and said, “You can take his place.”  Fred looked up in surprise.  “You see, the Bible says that living the Christian life is like running a relay race,” his mother explained.  “The Christians who’ve died and gone to heaven ran during their time on earth.”

    “Grandpa was a great runner,” Fred said.  “And you mean I’m next in the relay?”

    “Yes,” replied his mother.  “Grandpa has run his race.  He held up the Christian faith like a torch as he ran.  Then he passed that torch on to you.  Now it’s your turn.  You're to take that torch and run the very best you can.”

    Young people, it’s your turn now!  Don’t drop the torch.  Be like the Bible heroes we mentioned.  Respect your parents.  Listen to good advice.  Stay busy and productive.  Enjoy your youth, and develop a relationship with God!


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Copyrighted 2009 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THIS MESSAGE IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE.  The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works. 

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Miles E Wesner