Youth Sunday 1

1 Timothy 4:12-14

It always amazes me that I can read a Bible passage one day and get a certain meaning from it. It applies to my life in this way or that. Then, on another day, I can read the same passage and get a different, yet equally important message. I have read this passage on several occasions, but when I read through it last week in preparation for today it was so profound it brought me to tears.

This week’s message will be presented by the youth group of our church. Early this summer they took part in “Summer of Service” at the Cincinnati Vineyard Church in southwest Ohio. “Summer of Service” is a week-long mission and outreach experience for teen-agers. On the Sunday before they left the congregation gathered around them, laid hands on them, and we prayed for them – that God might be with them to guide and protect, that they might be empowered to serve God and others.

Since all three of our children were part of this group, I know that they had an incredible time and we anticipate a great time of sharing this coming Sunday. Thinking of what they have done and what they will do brings new meaning to this passage from 1 Timothy.

Timothy is instructed to be an example to other believers in spite of his youth. He is not to let his young age be a distraction to others or an inroad for criticism and detraction. He is to continue reading the Scripture and continue teaching and preaching. Timothy was given a gift from God, a gift to teach and lead. And this gift came through the gathering of leading believers who literally laid hands on him and offered prayer.

And all of this passage was lived out and will be lived out in my presence and the presence of our congregation. We laid hands on our youth and God gifted them with abilities and an experience opportunity. In spite of their age, these young people are examples to all of us on how to work for God. And they will teach us on Sunday – using Scripture as a base. They will preach to us through their sharing.

We are seeing the Bible come to life. We are seeing Christian faith being lived out. We are being presented with actions that imitate the life of Jesus, examples that we can all follow. Regardless of age or experience, regardless of appearance and differences we may have, those who serve the Lord with a willing and devout heart are examples to all of us, examples we need to follow in our own lives.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Who do you know who can teach you what it means to serve God?