A Light to the Young

[Thompson, Darryl]

A Light to the Young 

     And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom:
and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40.  

     The example of Jesus is a light to the young as well as to those of
mature years, for His was a representative childhood and youth. From His
earliest years His example was perfect. In both His physical and His
spiritual nature He followed the divine order of growth illustrated by
the plant, as He wishes all youth to do. Although He was the majesty of
heaven, the King of glory, He became a babe in Bethlehem, and for a time
represented the helpless infant in its mother's care. In childhood He
did the works of an obedient child. He spoke and acted with the wisdom
of a child and not of a man, honoring His parents, and carrying out
their wishes in helpful ways, according to the ability of a child. But
at each stage of His development He was perfect, with the simple,
natural grace of a sinless life.  

     Joseph, and especially Mary, kept before them the remembrance of
their child's divine Fatherhood. Jesus was instructed in accordance with
the sacred character of His mission. His inclination to right was a
constant gratification to His parents. The questions He asked them led
them to study most earnestly the great elements of truth. His
soul-stirring words about nature and the God of nature opened and
enlightened their minds.  

     On the rocks and knolls about His home the eye of the Son of God
often rested. He was familiar with the things of nature. He saw the sun
in the heavens, the moon and the stars fulfilling their mission. With
the voice of singing He welcomed the morning light. He listened to the
lark caroling forth music to its God, and joined His voice with the
voice of praise and thanksgiving.  

     Quiet and gentle, He seemed as one who was set apart. Whenever He
could He went out alone into the fields and on the mountainsides to
commune with the God of nature. When His work was done He wandered by
the lakeside, among the trees of the forest, and in the green valleys,
where He could think about God and lift His soul to heaven in prayer.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 27