by David Scott Robertson
"Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him" (Acts 23:17).
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I guess we're never too young or too old for God to use us. One outstanding example of this principle can be found in the book of Acts.
It seems the Apostle Paul's nephew, whose age remains a mystery, "accidentally" overheard a plot to assassinate his uncle. (I heard one person comment that "coincidence" is when God chooses to remain anonymous.)
"The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. More than forty men were involved in this plot…But when the son of Paul's sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul." (Acts 23:12-13,16).
When the lad related the story to Paul, the Bible says: "Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him" (Acts 23:17).
Now this next verse convinces me that Paul's nephew was just a kid: "The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?" (Acts 23:19)
The reason I'm convinced that the little boy was a little boy is that I was a little boy once. I remember appreciating adults addressing me as "young man." That spoke to my ego and gave me hope of one day becoming a man. The other thing I remember is that little boys don't mind when an adult male holds their hand. Try calling a teenager a "young man" and leading him around by the hand! He'd probably be so offended that he couldn't even remember the reason he was brought to the commander in the first place!
So what's the big deal? Why is establishing the fact that Paul's nephew was a little boy so important to this thought? Well, have a look at the words that come out of this "little boy's" mouth to the commander:
"He [Paul's nephew] said: "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him. Don't give in to them, because more than forty of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request" (Acts 23:20-21).
Did you catch that? I think what we're seeing here is a supernatural gift from God operating through a little boy! The kid didn't miss a detail! He seemed to know what he was talking about, speaking facts and details and numbers to the commander in such an intelligent way that the commander immediately acted upon the kid's counsel to "not give in to them." (The youngster had accurately retold the details of the plot TWICE - once to Paul and then to the commander.)
The statement from this lad amazes me! But why should it? Why does it seem amazing that God uses children to do His bidding?
Jesus was right again when He quoted Psalm 8:2, "Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?" (Matthew 21:16 KJV)
Jeremiah was called to be prophet of God from his youth. When he objected to the Lord and attempted to use his young age as an excuse to disqualify him from God's assignment, God's response was rather shocking:
"'Ah, Sovereign LORD,' I said, 'I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.' But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, "I am only a child." You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,' declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, 'Now, I have put my words in your mouth'" (Jeremiah 1:6-9).
What an encouraging word to babies, toddlers, kindergartners, elementary school age kids, junior high and high school students! Your age does not disqualify you from speaking for God! The same goes for those who are "young in the Lord" or recent converts to Christianity!
Remember, your availability gives God opportunity to do miracles through you!
DSR
3/30/05