Launch out; don’t hold back
And Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth."
(1 Samuel 17:33)
Hello Chosen Ones,
Sometimes older people say the craziest things; we are the impediment to our own progress. Most of you reading this, like me, are closer to life’s finish line than the beginning of the race, if you know what I mean. Now I am talking to all of us who think the music in church is too loud, too fast, too busy, not reverential enough, devoid of deep content, etc. Hopefully we have not become critical of the new generation’s music and style of church and are not trying to hang on to what “we used to have”. Maybe we are! Lord help us! Change can be good if it is change for the better, if we can see it like that. What am I really trying to say? I need an attitude adjustment…how ‘bout you? I want to be like Jesus who encourages the next generation by discipling the young into their calling and purpose. I don’t want them to be like me, I want them to be like Jesus – to love Him and follow Him in their own unique way. What I am realizing is for that to happen, I need to step out of the way and allow God to mold and shape the young among us for His glorious purposes. I want to cooperate with God, not be a hinderance to their spiritual growth. I want to create opportunities to launch young people into what God has for them, not hold them back till I think they are ready – isn’t that what discipleship ultimately is – preparing the next generation to take over where you left off (2Tim. 2:2). Now all of this, for me, comes out of being a worship leader at our church, who is handing over the baton to someone else, learning to trust God in those whom God is calling and raising up as leaders. Ultimately, that is my mission – to prepare the next one to take over for me when my race reaches the finish line; if I drop dead tomorrow, someone has to replace me. That someone will be different, probably in a good way – more gifted, more anointed, more able to do what God wants done in this season. The young Davids, Daniels, Timothy’s, Marys of our generation need an opportunity to serve and to be launched into their destiny as followers of Jesus. I don’t want to be the one who holds them back.
The story of David and Goliath has so many great teaching moments for us. Saul was the leader of the nation of Israel, and not a very good one at that. Actually, because of repeated disobedience, God was taking away his leadership and giving it to a young man. David, most likely a teenager, freshly anointed and appointed by Holy Spirit, full of youthful zeal and vigor, is eager to go and defeat the giant that has brought the church of God to a standstill – stagnate, powerless, fruitless and afraid. Saul’s words are classic: “but, you’re just a youth and Goliath has been a warrior since his youth”. Saul! Do you not see what you just said? How is a youth supposed to learn to be a warrior from his youth if the youth is never given the opportunity to be a warrior? Why start small is David’s philosophy…go big or go home! Actually, if Saul was really paying attention to the people he was leading, he would know that David defeated the bear and the lion to guard his father’s sheep. He’s already got a track record of success. Like old leaders often do, Saul says, “well if I let you fight this giant, you gotta do it my way…here, take my armor" (1Sam. 17:38). Well Saul’s been wearing his armor, and it hasn’t worked for him, so why would he give tools that don’t work to the new guy – maybe David’s got a better idea! Let David go in with his own strategies and abilities. Didn’t Jesus say, “Don’t try to fit the new wine in an old wineskin” (Luke 5:37). For forty days there has been no movement in the battle between Israel and the Philistines – forty wasted days! It’s time to try a new technique, unconventional as it is! Now be honest: would we be criticizing the young guy too? “That’s not the way it’s done, cause that’s not the way we used to do it or we’d do it today…why do you young people always want to change things – you need armor not slingshots!” Lord have mercy on us! Well you know the story – the young guy wins the day – the church (people) of God is liberated and able to advance to victory.
Friends, I am greatly encouraged by the music I hear from this younger generation, exalting Christ, declaring a fresh word to the church for such a time as this. Like young Daniels, set apart unto holiness and righteousness, as an example to a captive church in the midst of a pagan land; or a young Joseph who was chosen and groomed to lead God’s people through difficult days in the future, God has declared by His Spirit, “It shall come to pass in the last days, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:17). If music be the way our “sons and daughters” prophesy, and our “young men” declare their visions, then let the older ones dream dreams. The church is to be multigenerational – each member doing it’s part. And if God wants to replace the Sauls with Davids, may we be those who say, “yes and amen”; we will come alongside to encourage and support those who are destined to replace us. In this way, we will persevere “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). Whether you’re a parent or a church leader, let us recognize the Davids (and Davidettes) among us, and let us prepare them to be launched into the battle, full of Holy Spirit and visions of victory. And if it is time, let us step aside and let the newly anointed lead. But, for the sake of the Bride…let’s all work together, allowing each one to serve to the glory of Christ.
Be Blessed!
"Advancing the Kingdom of God by releasing Spirit-filled followers to serve Jesus in freedom and joy."
Leave a Comment