2 Samuel 18:29 And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me your servant… Is the young man Absalom safe? or, as in the Revised Version, "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" The inquiry reveals what was on David's heart equally with, if not more than, the welfare of the state and the continuance of his own reign. While Absalom had accepted with approval plans for accomplishing his father's death, David was more solicitous for the preservation of Absalom's life than his own; and now that the victory of his forces is announced, he cannot rejoice at the tidings until he knows whether his son still lives; and when he learns that he is dead, his grief quite overwhelms his joy, and bursts all bounds. It is not uncommon for worthless sons, who have lost all affection and dutifulness towards their parents, to have parental love still lavished and wasted upon them. The reprobate is not unfrequently the favourite. The inquiry of David is one that may be, and often is, put respecting young men, with reference to various kinds of well being. Is it well with him? Is he in health? Is he getting on in business, etc.? It may well be directed towards welfare of a more essential kind - Is it well with him morally, spiritually, and with reference to eternity? I. WHEN IS IT WELL WITH YOUNG MEN? 1. When they have become decided Christians. When of their own free choice they have accepted Christ as their Saviour and Lord, and manfully owned him before men. It cannot be really well with those who are without Christ, living in rebellion towards their heavenly Father, and walking in the way that leads to destruction. 2. When living lives of watchfulness and prayer. Sensible of the perils to which they are exposed, guarding against temptation, and ever imploring Divine protection and help. In such a world as this, it cannot be well for the young and inexperienced to be unaware of their dangers, or heedless respecting them. 3. When carrying Christian principles into consistent practice in every department of their lives. 4. When earnestly devoting themselves to works of piety and benevolence. To do this is well, not only for those whose good they may be seeking, but for themselves. It is a safeguard and an education. Let young men (young women too) thus live, and: (1) It is well with them whatever their position in life. Such living is well being. (2) It is likely to be well with them in their relations to others. They will secure esteem, affection, friendships that are worth having, and great influence for good in the Church and the world. (3) It will probably be well with them as to worldly success and comfort. (4) Persevering in such a course, it will be well with them throughout this life and forever. Such a youth will lead on to an honourable and happy manhood; such a life on earth to a glorious and blissful life in heaven. II. THE CONCERN WHICH IS FELT IN RESPECT TO THE CHRISTIAN WELFARE OF YOUNG MEN. 1. By their Christian parents. Natural affection and religious faith combine to produce an anxiety which young people can very partially understand. The happiness of parents is bound up with that of their children. Christians "live" (1 Thessalonians 3:8) when their sons and daughters live to Christ, and "stand fast" in him. Their anxiety on their account is greatly intensified when they have left home for new scenes and associations, involving' new perils to character, without the preservative influence of home and known friends. 2. Ministers and Churches ought to be more concerned about the spiritual welfare of young men than they always are. Their mission is to care for souls; and no souls are more interesting, more exposed to danger, more needing and ready to appreciate sympathy and friendly offices, than those of the young. None are of so much value for the advancement of religion at home and abroad. And of the young, none so need guidance and wise influence as young men; young women are drawn to Christ more readily, and are usually exposed to less powerful temptations. Measures for the good of young men should occupy a prominent place in the agencies of every congregation. 3. Christian citizens may well cherish a like concern. For on the direction that the youth of a country take depends to a large extent the welfare of the state. If the young could but be generally brought under the power of godliness, with its accompanying intelligence, purity, uprightness, and benevolence, a new era of national glory and happiness would have commenced. Is it well with the young, especially with young men? should, then, be a common inquiry from all good men and women; and should be accompanied with such practical proofs of interest in the inquiry as are possible. There are few Christians who could not do something to bring Christian influences to bear upon the young men they know, and to shield them from the opposite influences, which are so numerous and powerful. Finally, young men should be concerned for their own best interests. Because it is right; because the practices of godliness and virtue bring solid happiness; because thus they will make the most of their lives; and because of the concern which those who love them feel on their account. Let them, when tempted to neglect or forsake that which is good, or practise wickedness, remember the counsels and prayers of their fathers and mothers, and. the pain they will inflict on them if they go wrong. - G.W. Parallel Verses KJV: And the king said, Is the young man Absalom safe? And Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the king's servant, and me thy servant, I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it was. |
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