Wise heads on young shoulders
Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel were young men who were considered to have "wise heads on young shoulders." The answer to this phenomenon is in today's verses which come from the second strophe where the lines begin with the letter "Beth" which symbolises "house/tent/body/family" and that which is "within".The Scriptures are our guideline for faith and life. While Scripture does not talk about the internet or genetic engineering, it contains principles and guidelines that are timeless and trustworthy. We find wisdom and guidance available to those who love God's Word, read it and reflect on it.
We can read about Saul and learn from his mistakes.
We can be inspired by David's single-mindedness.
We can be moved by Peter's proud fall and Jesus' loving restoration.
We can meditate on the ten commandments and see the values and balance of life reflected in them.
For young people (and I'm not old yet!) there are powerful forces that want to shape our thinking in consumerist, self-centred, self-gratifying ways. I was fortunate that the people who led me to Christ also led me to love the Scriptures.
But the study of Scripture is not an academic exercise, it is a process of longing: "I seek You with all my heart". Throughout the psalm, the psalmist interweaves comments about Scripture with prayers to God. This is right. Bible Study without prayer is an academic exercise. The Bible is never an end in itself. In its pages we meet a living, loving, speaking God who is in dialogue with us and we answer with our lives.
If we want to build solid houses and have healthy "inner" lives, God's word will help us with that...
| How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word. I seek You with all my heart, do not let me stray from Your commands. (Psalms119:9-10) |
