Is the Young Man Safe?

by Ken Thomas

Absalom, the son of King David, led a rebellion against his father. In spite of this David had ordered his men to deal gently with him ( 2 Samuel 18:5,12). When Absalom was found caught by his head in a tree, Joab ignored David's orders. He and ten armorbearers killed Absalom.
Two men, Ahimaaz and Cushi, rushed to tell David the good? news about the death of the rebel. A watchman told David of the approaching messengers, and David asked each of them "Is the young man Absalom safe?" Ahimaaz seemed to hedge on the question, but when Cushi said that he desired all of David's enemies to be "as that young man is", David knew the answer to his question. He went mourning to his chamber, crying out, "O my son Absalom...would God I had died for thee..."
How many parents do not check on their children until it is too late? How many just hope they are all right? Often, Christians do not actively guide and monitor their children's behavior just because they are with other boys and girls from church. But we need to know that they are doing right.
The disapproval God placed upon Eli was not for personal wickedness, but for not restraining his sons ( 1 Samuel 3:13). he talked to them, but by the time it was too late ( 1 Samuel 2:22-25). We should appreciate all Bible class teachers who work with the youth in guiding them toward worthwhile lives. However, there is no substitute for parental involvement. Parents should set proper examples. Don't just tell children what is right; show them. Don't just send them to class; check with the teacher to see how they are doing. Be willing to probe their attitudes and spiritual values. Bridge the "generation gap" with the eternal truths of God; your children will know you love them.

March 10, 1991

Related Articles:

It Makes A Difference! -Oct 19, 2008
Youth and Grief -Apr 16, 2000
Hoover Dam -Nov 21, 1999
Raising Children -Sep 12, 1999
It's Nearly Here! -Aug 16, 1998

Print this Article

Discuss this Article

Back to the Sermon Page



Is the Young Man Safe? by Ken Thomas Absalom, the son of King David, led a rebellion against his father. In spite of this David had ordered his men to deal gently with him ( 2 Samuel 18:5,12). When Absalom was found caught by his head in a tree, Joab ignored David's orders. He and ten armorbearers killed Absalom. Two men, Ahimaaz and Cushi, rushed to tell David the good? news about the death of the rebel. A watchman told David of the approaching messengers, and David asked each of them "Is the young man Absalom safe?" Ahimaaz seemed to hedge on the question, but when Cushi said that he desired all of David's enemies to be "as that young man is", David knew the answer to his question. He went mourning to his chamber, crying out, "O my son Absalom...would God I had died for thee..." How many parents do not check on their children until it is too late? How many just hope they are all right? Often, Christians do not actively guide and monitor their children's behavior just because they are with other boys and girls from church. But we need to know that they are doing right. The disapproval God placed upon Eli was not for personal wickedness, but for not restraining his sons ( 1 Samuel 3:13). he talked to them, but by the time it was too late ( 1 Samuel 2:22-25). We should appreciate all Bible class teachers who work with the youth in guiding them toward worthwhile lives. However, there is no substitute for parental involvement. Parents should set proper examples. Don't just tell children what is right; show them. Don't just send them to class; check with the teacher to see how they are doing. Be willing to probe their attitudes and spiritual values. Bridge the "generation gap" with the eternal truths of God; your children will know you love them. March 10, 1991 Related Articles: It Makes A Difference! -Oct 19, 2008 Youth and Grief -Apr 16, 2000 Hoover Dam -Nov 21, 1999 Raising Children -Sep 12, 1999 It's Nearly Here! -Aug 16, 1998 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM