Acts Chapter 23: Verses 16-19 (NIV)
But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.
Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” So he took him to the commander.
The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner, sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”
The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”
Paul’s nephew had come into some very important information. It needed to reach the right place. It meant going to the Roman commander and trusting that he would believe what he was told and act on it. The account of this tells us that Paul’s nephew was a young man. I think he must have been very young, because we are told that the Commander took him by the hand and led him aside. I think the fact that he took his hand indicates that he was little more than a lad, who might have been a bit intimidated by his surroundings. But he spoke and the commander listened.
God will use us at any age if we are willing to speak for Him, and those of us who are getting older, both in age, and in the faith need to be like the Commander and pay heed if a young Christian (either in age or in the faith) speaks a message that we need to hear. It’s not an easy thing to share something of importance to people who are older and more experienced. We need to encourage these young Christians to do as God calls them, especially if they are bringing a message that we need to hear!
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the courage and boldness of that young man. Help me to follow His example and never allow my anxiety at speaking to people, who may seem to be more experienced or of influence, to stop me from being obedient. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.