Preschool
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
The Younger Shoulder the Battle
Memory Verses
Primary
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Junior
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Background Scripture: 2 Samuel 21; Daniel 1
Lesson Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:15-17; Daniel 1:6, 8, 17;
Introduction
In the daily course of life, we need the wisdom of the elders, but it is the younger ones who have the vitality and energy to go forward against difficult duties and adverse circumstances.
The church needs the courage and energy that young people have together with the wisdom of the older folks, which they have gained through years of experience. It is a beautiful thing when the younger ones rise to the challenge and become dedicated warriors for Christ.
Faithful youth have great potential to be a light to the world in their home setting, on their jobs, on the mission field, or wherever else life may lead them. Their impact on society is often greater than that of the seniors. The majority of people are favorably impressed with sincere youth who stand on the solid ground of God’s Word and its moral principles.
Key Verse
The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head (Prov. 20:29).
Lesson Scripture
2 Samuel 21:15 Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.
16 And Ishbi-benob, which was of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, he being girded with a new sword, thought to have slain David.
17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.
Daniel 1:6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.
8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
1 John 2:12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
Studying the Lesson
What sense of direction, understanding, or inspiration can be gained from the key verse? Healthy, strong, and ambitious young people should be a valuable asset to their families, the church, and their communities. They should be appreciative and thankful for their strength but not proud or boastful about it.
People old enough to have gray hair are to be appreciated and honored for the spiritual and social maturity they have attained in their Christian journey. Humility greatly complements the measure of wisdom they have obtained through life’s experiences. By working together for the good of everyone, these two age groups can be a winning team for the Lord.
How can older ones know when it is time to let the younger ones take responsibility? The answer, of course, is not the same for everyone. This lesson’s text about David offers some clues about the timing of handing over the reins. The decline of strength and mental alertness are signs that it is time to bring in the younger generation.
As a man of war, David was with his men in the heat of the battle, a place he had filled for most of his life, but he was no longer the strong, able-bodied man he had been. Because of this, he apparently became exhausted and faint in strength. When one of the enemies was about to end David’s life, Abishai, a young man, stepped in to rescue David, and he smote the assailant. The younger men then requested of David that he would cease from going into the actual battles with them. It appears David accepted the younger men’s advice, and thereafter he did not join them in war.
Young Daniel and his cohorts faced some unique challenges and tests. However, because of their steadfastness and obedience to their Old Testament rules and rituals, God blessed them and prepared them for what was to come.
The lesson text from First John is like a blanket commendation to all ages. Not specifically mentioned but certainly implied is the fact that growth is brought on by overcoming trials and temptations and, to a large degree, is normal and of great value. This type of character development is very important in preparation for future responsibilities that will in time be handed over.
Practical Truths for Today
Due to the challenges we face as Christians and the courage needed to stay engaged, Christian life is often likened to military service. As in military service, there are requirements that one must meet in order to serve in God’s kingdom.
In 2009, about seventy-five percent of America’s seventeen- to twenty-four-year-olds were ineligible for military service due to lack of education, obesity and other physical problems, or a criminal history.1 In the church, there are ongoing physical, social, and spiritual needs that need attention. What are some things that preclude the young from serving in the church? What can be done about these things?
Psalm 119:9 says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” This verse poses a question and an answer in the same sentence. Essentially, it states that as young men and women pay active attention to the Word of God, they will find direction and the strength of character to live upright and useful lives. This will surely help to prepare them for shouldering the responsibilities that will be passed down to them from aging fathers and mothers. This applies to spiritual obligations as well as the natural duties of everyday life.
Saul serves as a case in point of the elder being unwilling to relinquish leadership to the younger man. Although David was designated by God to replace Saul as Israel’s king, it appears Saul was unwilling to yield his position.
The old and the young will need to work together and should realize the strengths of each other’s generation. Too often the beauty of youth is extolled, while the wisdom of the aged tends to be pushed to the background and considered to be out-of-sync, archaic thinking. On the other hand, sometimes the older ones will look unfairly at the younger ones as fickle, unrealistic, and unfit for service.
Time is short, and suddenly we find ourselves facing the same troublesome giants that our fathers battled. Unfortunately, Satan is too often successful in distracting us with the cares of life and the deceitfulness of riches. For success in preparing and equipping children to carry responsibility in the face of the human struggles of life as a Christian, parents will need to invest considerable time and effort. A large part of this is done by the example, attitude, and action of the parents.
Successfully passing the baton of responsibility and obligation from one generation to the next can be challenging. Normally it will require the older to do a little training and mentoring, and a humble and teachable attitude will be needed by the younger person designated to take over the duties.
For some fathers it is very difficult to let their sons take over. Henry Ford faced this dilemma when his son, Edsel, was growing into the leadership capacity within the Ford Motor Company. History records that time and again, when Edsel was given responsibility to take charge of a project, his father would inconsiderately undo what the son had done. Although Edsel did eventually become president of the company, Henry repeatedly humiliated his son in public. There is a better way for fathers and elders to relate to the younger ones as they grow into responsible positions. Clear instruction accompanied by commendation is far superior to demeaning criticism.
John the Baptist set an example for the elders when he spoke referring to Jesus: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). By the same token, young men must take the necessary steps and training to be qualified to say with Isaiah, “Here am I; send me” (Isa. 6:8).
Questions
- What mindset or spiritual and social qualities will help the aging ones to carefully but willingly and cheerfully turn things over to the younger generation?
- What is it that causes faithful youth to be of greater impact in witnessing than that of older folks?
- What would help youth to be more mindful of the effect their conduct will have on other people, young or old?
- What are some good ways for the elderly to show their appreciation and commendation to honorable younger folks and trustworthy youth?
- 1 According to a report by the Mission: Readiness group
Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).