We often focus on Jesus' faith as a young boy, and rightly so. For at the age of 12, Jesus made the profound statement, "Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" (Luke 2:49). This is indeed a wonderful testimony to the careful upbringing which Jesus was given by Joseph and Mary, and the great spiritual insight that Jesus had in His youth. But there are other fine examples of young people who were in tune to God's will for their lives.

Consider Joseph, who received dreams from the LORD, pointing to the greatness which would come to him (Genesis 37). It wasn't until years later that he was able to tell his brothers that though they meant their actions for evil, God used it (and meant it) for good, to save Israel. However, as we follow his life between the being sold into Egypt and the arrival of his brothers many years later, we see time and again the trust this young man had in God.

Consider also Samuel, who "...ministered before the LORD, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod." (1 Samuel 2:18). We're told of his progress, "...the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men." (2:26). Again, young Samuel was blessed in his early service before the LORD. We read, "...the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. And it came to pass at that time...while Samuel was lying down, that the LORD called Samuel." (1 Samuel 3:1, 3-4). This young man would grow up to be prophet and priest in Israel.

We also read of Josiah, who at the eight years of age began to reign in Judah (2 Kings 22:1). Of this young man, it is said, "...he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left." (22:2). In his eighteenth year as king, at 26 years of age, Josiah commissioned repairs in the house of God. In the process, the book of the law of the LORD was discovered (isn't that scary, God's people had lost it), and he commanded the priest to inquire of the LORD for him with regard to God's word.

Finally, let us consider young David. All Israel stood before the champion of the Philistines in fear. Not a man was found who would accept his challenge to battle. David, being sent by his father to see the progress of the battle, was emboldened in faith, on account of the stand Goliath took against the LORD. Hear his words, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:32). On the battlefield, David spoke to Goliath, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I will strike you and take your head from you... Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands." (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

We need to encourage our young, as these young ones were encouraged to follow the ways of the LORD. Parents, you have that responsibility from the LORD (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4).

Solomon wrote, "Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment." (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Childhood is a time of enjoyment. It should be fun. But, it is also a time when the seed of the kingdom of God needs to be sown and cultivated in the hearts of our young. Thus, Solomon says, "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure i then.'" (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

Young ones, seek the LORD! Those who are charged with the keep of these precious ones, guide them to the LORD!

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
How many sons did Absalom have? 2 Samuel 14:27 says three sons, but 2 Samuel 18:18 says he had no sons. Is there a contradiction?