It pays to serve the Lord in your youth
“The Lord said to Moses, take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation and give him a charge in their sight. And put some of your honor and authority upon him, that all the congregation of Israelites may obey him” (Numbers 27:18-20).
There were many young men among the Israelites who were about the same age as Joshua son of Nun but no doubt he was different from the rest of them. So different was he that Moses chose him to be his attendant (Exodus 24:13). What made Joshua different was his love for God. Joshua knew the importance of walking with God and being in His presence. The Bible tells us that even after Moses departed from the tabernacle, Joshua remained (Exodus 33:11). He understood that there is much to gain from being in the presence of the Lord.
It is being in the presence of the Lord that Joshua came to understand that if God is with him no one can be against him (Romans 8:31) and that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13). It is little wonder therefore that when the twelve spies returned from the Promise Land, only Joshua and Caleb returned with a good report (Numbers 14:6-9). You see, Joshua and Caleb did not see things the way others saw them, they saw things through God’s eyes and this pleased God. So pleasing were they in God’s eyes that they were the only two of the twelve spies who God allowed to enter the Promise Land (Numbers 32:11).
Since he had shown himself faithful in small things, God was able to trust Joshua with greater things. God could see that Joshua had the potential to lead His people into the Promise Land. God therefore commanded Moses to lay hands on Joshua and commission him so all Israel may obey him. “And the Lord charged Joshua son of Nun, Be strong and courageous and firm, for you shall bring the Israelites into the land which I swore to give them, and I will be with you (Deuteronomy 31:23).
God is looking for young men and women like Joshua who He can fill with His spirit and who will do great exploits for the Kingdom of God. Parents, encourage your children to serve the Lord while they are still young and to keep His Word because that is what will prolong their life many years and bring prosperity (Proverbs 3: 1-2).
Prayer: Lord, we thank you that you are still willing and able to put your spirit on the children and the youth of today. We ask that you would cause parents to be alert and to encourage their children to live for you. Lord, every hindrance that is preventing the young people from serving you, we ask that you remove it. Soften their hearts, draw them, speak to them, do whatever you need to do to bring them to you. Let there be a powerful move of the Holy Spirit working in them and through them for the glory of your mighty name. Amen and Amen.
