By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, June 12, 2011 · Pentecost Sunday Youth Sunday
Sermon Text: Acts 2:12-21
Sermon Theme
Young people play a vitally important role in the Scriptures. In some cases they play roles that are crucial to the survival of God’s people. Three such examples are Miriam, Esther and Daniel. Each of them lived in an alien world, a world opposed to God and his Word. They had to make critical choices regarding whether they would serve the true God or the many false gods surrounding them. They put their lives at stake to be faithful to the Lord. God empowered them and sent them his Spirit. They accomplished great things in dependence upon God and his promises. Young people called into the service of Jesus Christ face similar challenges. They are the hope and promise of the church. Young people can be an example for all of us.
Sermon Outline
- Context. Miriam, Esther and Daniel all share the same situation of living in a context that denies their God. Miriam is in Egypt which, in addition to its many gods, has condemned Israelite male children to death. She courageously watches the basket in which her baby brother lies among the reeds of the river. She is not afraid to address the Princess of Egypt herself. Esther and Daniel find themselves placed in the privileged centers of idolatrous nations. They are seemingly given everything, provided they do nothing to question the empire which favors them. Young people today are in uncertain situations where great pressure is put upon them to conform to the world (Romans 12:1-2).
- Call. In different ways, Miriam, Esther and Daniel had all been called by God. They knew the Word of God even without knowing that Word in human form as Jesus Christ (John 1:14). That Word was an anchor in the midst of the pressure and temptations that surrounded them. Miriam’s parents were Levites, members of the priestly tribe of Israel (Exodus 2:1). Esther was the adopted daughter of her faithful cousin, Mordecai (Esther 2:5-7). Daniel was a young Israelite who had been taken into captivity in Babylon (Daniel 1:3-7). These strong backgrounds enabled these young people to resist the world around them. Yet each had their own faith. They had heard the call of God and responded. Jesus calls us, young and old, to himself. To know Jesus is to know that nothing in the world can compare to him (John 6:68). Even in the Old Testament the Word of God was more than a book. It was an active, powerful force (Isaiah 55:10-11). God’s Word presents God’s will in visions and promises. It communicates his presence and his power (Genesis 15:1, Exodus 15:20-21, I Kings 22:19, Esther 4:9-14, Daniel 9:20-23). Young people need to know Jesus. He alone cares for us, sustains us and empowers us. Even those who know him well need to know him better (Philippians 3:10-14).
- Challenge. Young people face multiple challenges. This is no less true today than it has been throughout history. Young people, like Miriam, Esther and Daniel, have always been on the front line of the world’s culture. They are the targets of the false gods of the world. However they are never at the mercy of these false gods. What young people may lack in experience and maturity they make up for in enthusiasm and commitment. They are able to see things with fresh eyes. Unlike their elders, they don’t have to unlearn habits that are no longer effective. Much of the “evil one’s” deceptive power is maintained through fear (I John 5:19). There is a fear of not fitting in, a fear of rejection, a fear of failure. Young people are especially vulnerable to these fears. It is when young people have had the benefit of a supporting community that they can stand alone. That was the case with Miriam, Esther and Daniel. Miriam stands alone watching over her brother in the river. Esther dares to come into the king’s presence alone. Daniel prays alone and faces the lions alone. It is God’s Word and Spirit that enables them to do this. Yet that Word and Spirit is received through the community of faith. Young people need to be challenged. They also need to know that they are a vital part of the Body of Christ.
Questions for Us
- Why do you think young people may be especially vulnerable to the false gods of the Egypts and Babylons of this world?
- What more can we do to support our young people in their responding to the call of Jesus Christ?
- What can we learn from these young people who stood alone in their faithfulness? Why are all of us, young and old, so often afraid of what the world thinks of us?
