2 Samuel 18:29 - Homiletics

( MAHANAIM .)

Is the young man … safe?

Youth is a season of intense activity, favourable opportunities, and glowing promise.

"The passion, which in youth

Drives fast downhill, means that the impulse gained

Should speed us up the hill that's opposite."

(Sir H. Taylor.)

This question is specially suggestive of—

I. DANGER . No soldier on the battlefield, no traveller on "dark mountains," no ship on a tempestuous sea, is exposed to greater peril than a young man. Of what? Not so much of physical suffering and death, as of sin —the only real evil, and one which involves the loss of his highest life ( Matthew 10:28 ). From what? Chiefly from himself— his "own heart" ( Jeremiah 17:9 ); inexperience; susceptibility to impressions; personal endowments ( 2 Samuel 14:25 ); "youthful lusts" ( 2 Timothy 2:22 ), the love of pleasure, excitement, "name and fame;" impatience of control, self-confidence, rashness, and presumption. Also from false friends ( 2 Samuel 13:3 ), rather than open enemies; sceptical and sensuous literature; "the defilements [miasma] of the age" ( 2 Peter 2:20 ); and the peculiar temptations of the place, the occupation, and the society with which he is connected. "Rejoice, O young man," etc. ( Ecclesiastes 11:9 ).

II. SAFETY . "To be forewarned is to be forearmed." "Wherewithal, etc. 9 By taking heed thereto according to thy Word" ( Psalms 119:9 ). The most essential thing is a right state of heart; its supreme affection set on God, its ruling purpose directed to the doing of his will ( Proverbs 4:23 ), its varied powers "united to fear his Name" ( Psalms 86:11 ; Proverbs 1:7 ). There is also need of watchfulness ( 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 :31), keeping out of the way of temptation, trusting in God to be kept by him, unceasing prayer, association with good men, the cultivation of proper habits, profitable reading, seasonable recreation, useful employment, and advancement toward the true end of life. "If ye do these things, ye shall never stumble," etc. ( 2 Peter 1:10 , 2 Peter 1:11 ).

III. ANXIETY ; on the part of parents, instructors, Christian friends; arising from sincere affection, a clear perception of his danger, and an ardent desire for his welfare; expressed in fervent prayer, appropriate endeavour ( 2 Samuel 18:5 ), and frequent inquiries ( 2 Samuel 18:32 ). Alas! that a young man for whom others are so tenderly concerned should recklessly and wilfully "lose himself and become castaway"!—D.