You never know who’s listening. Years ago when I drove my son to daycare I often complained about stupid drivers. Then on a particularly busy traffic day I muttered in frustration and from the back seat came a question, stupid drivers, Daddy? Hmm…hope his mother didn’t hear that.

But young people absorb good qualities from their elders as well. King David’s nephew surprised his uncle during a series of battles with the Philistines: There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand, and six toes on each foot, twenty-four in number, and he also was descended from the giants. And when he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, David’s brother, struck him down.

Catch the parallels. David killed a Philistine champion of great stature, descended from giants, who taunted Israel and the living God. His nephew watched a Philistine champion of great stature, descended from giants, step forward to taunt Israel and the living God. Johnathan took his shot, just like uncle David.

As a kid Johnathan heard the stories of David. He looked up to his uncle, and when the time came he followed in his footsteps. How proud he must have been to give an account of slaying the giant in front of David and his court. And how fulfilling for David to see the next generation follow in strength and courage.

Pass on the stories of David and Johnathan and other heroes of the Old Testament. Speak of Jesus to the generations that follow. But never forget to tell the stories of faith that surround your life. We all need to hear accounts of God at work. Young people crave something solid, tangible and true in our world of images and posturing. The kids are listening, and if we relay to them God’s actions in our lives many will emulate the ways of the Lord.

2 Samuel 21:20-22

Photo by Aedrian Salazar