The Young Ones - James 5:19-20

James 5:19-20            My friends, if someone should bring back another who has strayed from the Truth, take note of this: Whoever convinces a sinner to repent of his erroneous ways will rescue that person from death and cover over his many sins. (JSV)

            There is hope for everyone, even the worst of sinners. I know this to be true for I am part of that category. We all make ill-advised choices, especially when we are young adults, some of which can ruin our lives entirely. We follow our own path and determine our own future. We hate being wrong and don't want to repent of or admit our foolish ways. Some of us would rather keep making the same sinful choices rather than say we are wrong. Being ornery and stubborn, mule-headed and strong-minded comes with the territory of growing up. What we eventually become is largely based on how willing we are to change direction, especially if we are following a self-centered and self-destructive path.

            When I was addicted to alcohol, I never needed anyone's advice. My mother wept over me; my father gave up on me, and my friends began to abandon me. I stubbornly refused to concede that I had a problem. I believed that I was right and everybody else was totally wrong. I wouldn’t seek help and almost got myself into a lot of serious trouble. If I hadn't met Christ on the road I was on, I probably would be dead by now. It took His presence in my life and the candid words of His followers, who were my peers, to turn my life around. Their love convinced me to repent. Their understanding and faith saved me from my sinful addiction.

            Sometimes I worry about our young folk at church, college, or in their new careers. Some of them are making foolish choices just like I did, so I pray for them on a regular basis. I want them to know that the lessons of faith they learned as children or teenagers are still relevant in their lives today. I want them to know that when all else fails, Jesus will never let them down. I want them to have a place of acceptance and love, renewal and hope in their lives. They are still, and always will be, children of God’s grace. My frequent prayer is that they will personally experience this for themselves in the most crucial times of their beautiful lives.

Point to ponder

Who are the young people in my church? How often do I think about and pray for them?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You personally know the young people in our lives who are an important part of our family, church, and community. Please be with them each day and bless them with Your guidance. Let them know that they are fully loved by You, as well as by Your people. Help them to make good choices which will bring positive benefits to their entire lives. Let all of them experience Your loving embrace. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You’ll enjoy the experience and be warmly welcomed by the Erin folks.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest chess drawings called Chessers. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Chessers.

Only A Youth - Jeremiah 1:7

Jeremiah 1:7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you.” (NRSV)

            Ever since the tragic Parkland massacre, High School students in the United States have been at the forefront of our daily news. Our young people are gravely concerned about the violence in our nation and want to make changes. Their voice is raw with intense feeling and their statements are unfettered by any cultural niceties or social courtesy. They feel insecure and outraged; they express a strong desire to make a difference, so that their generation can live in a more peaceable world and a less intolerant one. They are determined not to let this moment pass away, so they are showing a high amount of solidarity which may eventually define this upcoming generation.

            Sadly, some people are dismissing their views because they are young and inexperienced in the ways of the world. There is a pushback against any proposed changes to our current laws and some folks are even disparaging the sincerity of the young people, accusing them of being political foils for clandestine groups. I find this difficult to accept because I’ve watched and listened to these young people on all sorts of different occasions, but I guess those who falsely promoted the Sandy Hook conspiracy theories are jumping on the same cynical bandwagon once more.

            When God chose Jeremiah to be a prophet to his generation, Jeremiah pushed back against God’s choice because he thought he was too young. He couldn’t see himself as being effective because of his age and inexperience, so he tried to get God to change His mind and pick someone else. But, as always, God knew what He was doing. He needed someone to be the voice of prophecy for an entire generation, someone who had decades of life ahead of him. God was enlisting Jeremiah’s youthful zeal to a prophetic call that would constantly challenge God’s people for many years. In other words, God knew what He was doing when He appointed Jeremiah to the role of prophecy. No matter how young he was initially, God would use Jeremiah’s voice for justice and mercy, truth and change; perhaps He is still doing this with our own High Schoolers today.

Point to ponder

What kind of world do I want young people to live in? Am I willing to help them accomplish this?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, when You were a teenager, You asked many questions in the Temple which amazed the elders and priests who heard You. Your life challenged traditional values and contemporary customs. You came to both save and change the world. Allow us to continue Your ministry in our communities, so that we may make this planet a more peaceable and less fearful place. In Your Holy Name, we earnestly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s devotion, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings of a Celtic Peace Cross with the Liturgical colors surrounding it. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Peace.

On Their Way - 3 John 1:6

3 John 1:6        They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. (NIV)

            I’ve been at Erin Church for more than 21 years and during that time, I’ve watched young children grow up to become wonderful adults. I’m often amazed at how far away most of them now live in the United States, but through email and Facebook, I get to see what they’re doing and accomplishing in their lives.

            As I see their successes, I remember the times they spent in Sunday School, music programs, Vacation Bible school, youth groups and conferences, as well as many of the ministries and missions that our church has supported. I hope and pray that the memories of those events, times, and days will draw them closer to God as they journey through life. Whenever we get to see them back at Erin, we are always delighted to greet them and catch up with their accomplishments.

            I guess what we try to do at Erin with our young people is the Apostle John described so long ago in today’s highlighted verse: we do our utmost to send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It’s a wonderful privilege and a precious gift from God to have young people in any church. I am truly thankful for those who journey through our doors and go out into the world to make their own mark. As always, our hopes and prayers are with them, for we are proud of who they are and love what they become.

Questions for personal reflection

Who are the young people in my life that are still precious to me? What can I pray for them?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for the young people in our lives whose energy and enthusiasm, ambitions and goals are still being accomplished. Thank You for the many times that we have faithfully supported and encouraged them. Bless all of their hopes and dreams for the future. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Communion drawings called “Chalice.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Chalice.