Young Warrior, Say Not, I Am A Child

Jeremiah 1:4-19

So many Christian youths are becoming conscious of the fact that God has need of them at this last time.  The Lord will not continue to keep quiet but has decided to arise to confound the wise men of the present generation and show that He is the Lord. But then, it is possible that many of these youths are already manifesting doubts, anxiety and fear about succeeding in this mission.  Jeremiah received a great and wonderful information, but his response was one of fear “I cannot speak: for I am a child”.  Gideon responded the same way when he remembered His background.  He said “Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel?  Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house” (Judges 6:14-15).  Moses did likewise (Exodus 3:11; 4:10).  For Joseph and David, their brethren tried to put fear in them (Genesis 37:18-19; 1 Samuel 17:28).

Despite discouragements and anxiety that seemed apparent, God’s word prevailed.  He still went ahead to tell them more of what He wanted them to do for Him (Jeremiah 1:6; Exodus 3:12; 4:10, 12).  Since this is the case, it is clear you cannot reject the calling, therefore your response should simply be “Lord, what will thou have me to do?”.  Let’s now see what He is sending you to do.

What The Lord Would Have You To Do (Jeremiah 1:7, 10; 2 Kings. 9:4-10)

As a youth on the height, you are a ‘watcher’ and a warrior.  As a ‘watcher’, you are to pass decrees over unacceptable situations and declare what must hold (cons. Daniel 4:13-17) and as a warrior, you are to blow the trumpet declaring war against the enemies of God and mankind and move on to fight against:

They That Know their God

 Daniel 11:32b 

                                                              

“...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (Daniel 11:32b).

The Lord God is known from creation that all His works are good and when He begins, He makes an end (Genesis 1:10,12,18,21,25,31; 1 Samuel 12:6).  He begins by calling a youth to His side, sanctifies and sets him apart for Himself. He delights in empowering him to be able to continually keep his banner flying high amidst the militating and seemingly intimidating programmes and forces of men and spirits in these last days.   Let's now look more into who such young men and women are.

They That know their God 

Knowing the Lord begins with knowing Him as the Father, having a Father-son or Father-daughter relationship with Him.  He then becomes YOUR GOD (Jeremiah 7:23; John 1:12).  

Knowing their God in our context involves not just this first encounter with Him but one moving on into a closer relationship and knowing His person, attributes, ability, etc. (cons. Isaiah 40:18, 21-22, 25; 57:15; 43:10).  The much you know of God is the extent you trust and depend on him and that in turn determines your strength or how strong you are or will be in the face of challenges or obstacles (cons. Numbers 13:30-33; 14:6-9).  Let’s see some people who knew their God and had special experiences. 

Putting A Difference Between The Holy And Unholy

Looking at our topic “Putting The Difference Between the holy and unholy”, there is one fact that every youth must recognize, understand and believe. It is the truth and fact that God is holy and originally made man as a holy being though man later strayed away.  It must be understood also that since then whatever God is doing now is aimed at bringing back, restoring that lost nature and maintaining the new status, that great experience of holiness (Romans 4:2; Ephesians 5;25-27; Galatians 4:4-7; Colossians 1:14-22).  Having then found himself in a world that cares nothing about holy living or pleasing God, it is expected that any genuine child of God must desire and be able to differentiate between the holy and unholy and also be determined to lift up that banner of righteousness yet if he must really do so he must have encountered and experienced God’s holiness to qualify to recognize impurities and flee them and declare the righteousness of God without any pricking within (Isaiah 6:1-7).  It follows then that SANCTIFICATION is a MUST for the saved youth who wants to move forward as God’s standard bearer.  

Sanctification Of The Saved Youth

Once the call to come over to the Lord’s side through repentance and faith in Christ death is obeyed, the unsaved youth’s sins are forgiven and his spirit cleansed and from that moment he strikes a Father-son relationship with God and the holy nature of God is deposited in him.

The next thing in this ladder of holiness is to have his soul cleansed for completeness (1Thessalonians 5:23).  This is done at sanctification.  The very source of sin from where contaminations, ungodly desire, etc. come, is rooted up.  God, by His Spirit and through faith in the blood of Jesus, purifies the saved youth from all that cause sin in his soul, spirit and body setting him apart for Himself (Isaiah 6:6-8; Romabs 15:16; Hebrews 10:10;13:12).  Sanctification is Instantaneous.   This is a definite instruction from the Lord and God’s standard for His children (Jeremiah 4:4; 1 Peter 1:15-16).  As you realize your need for it, desire and thirst for it, sincerely pray and believe the Lord whose will it is to give it and you shall receive it (Isaiah 6:5; Matthew 5:6; Luke 11:9,10; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). 

Who Is On The Lord's Side?

Exodus 32:1-6, 17-20, 25-28.

 Truly, the fact that today’s generation is filled with people who are bent on going their own way and people who are not bothered about what the Lord has said cannot be argued.  We find youths even in the Church seeking convenience in every area of life including in the worship of God.  Many care less about the standard of God in the matter of service to God, in relationship with others, in choice of career, etc.  Rather, they manipulate things to suit them not minding if the way or instruction of God on such issues are distorted.  Let’s consider three different states as can be identified with today’s youths and draw some inference and take decision.

Before Now (Exo. 24:1-18)

Just before Moses was called up into the mount to be with the Lord and to receive instructions, the children of Israel had some new encounters with God.  Once again, they heard the word of God and His judgments rehearsed in their ears, the book of covenant was read again to them.   They were all thrilled and with one voice said “All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.”  (Exodus. 24:3, 7).  In fact, they renewed their covenant with God.  They saw the glory of God like devouring fire on the top of the mount.

Many youths in their early adolescents or teenage life had glorious experiences of the Lord.  They received wonderful teachings and they believed in what they received (cons. 2 Timothy. 3:14-15). They memorized, recited and applied the memory verses given them as children and took same with them as they marched into the teenage life.  Parents, pastors, teachers, etc. taught them morals and values from homes, Church and school (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Proverbs 6:22; 2 Timothy 1:3).  These values were accepted, and many got the experience of salvation and much more.  They walked by the doctrines and principles of God in the place they found themselves, even true churches and served the God of their fathers (cons. Jeremiah 35:1-14).  Such life styles of moderation in dressing, having regular fellowship, prayerfulness, active participation in Church activities, regulating television programmes or movies watched, purity in relationship with the opposite sex, obedience and respect for parents and elders, adherence to examination rules and terms of service as apprentices, etc. were attended to with fear and in reverence to God (cons. Genesis 39:9b; 1 John. 2:15-17).  Though tender in age and strength, yet was like the young David before Goliath because of his trust and relationship with the God of his father (1 Samuel 17:22-25, 32-37).  He believed like a child and walked with God in innocency.  He fled sin as was instructed and believed that God was everywhere and watching as he had been taught.  He was neither crafty nor did he formulate excuses for his actions.  It was never difficult to admit to wrongs and errors done and to repent of them.  His peace with God and others abounded (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 5:1).  He sought and heeded to counsels (Proverbs 11:14).  At every opportunity, he renewed his covenant with God and kept his portion of the covenant (cons. Genesis 35:1-7).  This was the state of the youth before now, but what can be seen today?