Younger Saints
Forward and Formative
Earlier this week I shared how I’m preaching from Joshua, telling the stories of Caleb and Achsah. They are not as famous as Joshua, but they are just as faithful.
One thing about Achsah is that she is a young woman. Being young. Being a woman. In Bible times, these often represented the weak and the vulnerable. But Achsah does not act weak or vulnerable. She takes matters into her own hands. Her family needs a place to live and water to survive. She makes a plan with her husband, and she goes to her father to ask for what she needs. This is a bold thing for her to do, and she succeeds. She provides for and cares for her family by being a bold young woman.
At my age, I’m ashamed to admit that it’s easy to look down on those who are younger. But it should not be this way. I ought to care for those who are younger, especially those who are trying to be bold in their faith. If you are young, don’t be afraid to ask. And if you are older, allow your yes to have an impact for years to come, even into eternity.
Some of the most formative moments of my faith happened when I was young and people older than me said yes. I asked worship leaders older than me to teach me, and they said yes. I asked people older than me to disciple me, and they said yes. I asked people older than me for opportunities, and they said yes. At the time, it may not have seemed like much to them—but their yes changed my life. I am deeply grateful for those who, despite my youth, played a part in forming my faith.
More: Messages
In All Things Thee to See
In All Things Thee to See is a delightful devotional guide to selected poems of George Herbert, with selections and reflections by Stephen Witmer. By patiently guiding readers through Herbert’s rich imagery, wordplay, and theology, Witmer helps modern Christians rediscover the devotional power of Herbert’s poetry -- beautiful words with deep truth.
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More: Book Reviews
Thank God it’s Friday
TGIF: Women’s Ministry: Healing the Ways Women Hurt Each Other / When Ministry Seems Joyless / Preach the Sermons That Algorithms Don’t Reward / ‘Hoppers’ and the World We’ve Stopped Seeing / Three Marks of a Good Christian Book
More: Free eBooks
Endnotes
United with my Savior, / Following the King. / Saved from sin, forgiven – / Saved to be set free!
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