Young Colts and Old Cow Horses
Scripture
Acts 23:17-22 (NASB95)
Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.”
So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.”
The commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?”
And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him.
So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him; and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.”
So the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.”
Cowboy Wisdom
Every ranch worth its salt has both kinds of horse — the green colt with more try than sense, and the old cow horse who's forgotten more about working cattle than most riders will ever learn. God used a young man to save the life of one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived. And yet two groups often get left standing at the fence in church work: the youth and the elderly — which is two-thirds of the outfit sitting out the drive.
There's a story of a young girl who came to church with a Christian friend and wanted to be saved, even though her own father threatened to leave the home if she or her mother trusted Christ. That afternoon, her friend led her to the Lord anyway. Her dad wouldn't let her set foot back in church — but that ten-year-old girl had already been used by God. Young people and children bring more visitors to church than almost anyone else in the congregation, and God uses them, again and again, as the ones who bring others home to Him.
The world has its own rules about age — calls up the young colts, retires the old cow horses at a certain point. God doesn't run His outfit that way. He'll use whoever's willing, whatever their age, the same way He used Paul's young nephew to save the life of an apostle.
If we keep the young and old standing at the fence instead of riding, we're benching two-thirds of the best hands God's got. Our youth ride hard when we let them witness and invite their friends. Our older saints keep working cattle long after some folks think they should've been put out to pasture. God's call was never limited to the horses in their prime years.
Questions for Reflection
Have you ever caught yourself assuming someone was “too young” or “too old” to be used by God? What happened?
Who's a young rider or an old cow horse in our church whose ministry you could encourage or make more room for?
Paul trusted a boy with something that mattered — are you willing to trust the next generation with real responsibility in ministry?
What's one way you could put whatever season of life you're in right now to work for God, instead of waiting for a “better” one?
PRAYER FOCUS
Lord, thank You that Your call isn't limited by age. Forgive us for leaving the young and the old standing at the fence when You've equipped both to do great things for Your kingdom. Help us make room for every generation to ride, and give us the courage to say yes to You in whatever season of life we're in. In Jesus' name, Amen.
