From the Editor Jan/Feb 2019
Both of my children came to know the Lord at age four. I’ve heard some preachers say children can’t get saved that young, but I beg to differ. It depends on the child and, of course, on God.
Even 3-year-olds can tell the difference between right and wrong. And if they can understand Jesus paid for their sins by dying on the cross and that He is alive today, loves them, and stands ready to forgive them, they are capable of becoming saved.
In fact, it’s easier for youngsters to come to Christ than adults. A 2004 Barna Group study found “nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ as their savior do so before reaching the age of 13 (43%).”
More recently, Jorge Rodrigues, executive director of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Australia, told Christiantoday.com, “A survey by the International Bible Society (Biblica) indicates that 83% of all US Christians make their commitment to Jesus between the ages of 4 and 14. There is no reason to believe that statistics in Australia are any different. This is a critical age of decision for our sons and daughters and it is imperative that we reach out to them in a way that is both relevant and effective.”
Didn’t Jesus tell His disciples in Matthew 18:10, “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven”? And in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
The Bible doesn’t say when Samuel got saved, but he was young. Not as young as four, but still a lad. He heard God’s voice and went on to obey Him his entire life. He became a prophet, priest, and Israel’s last (and perhaps its greatest) judge.
In this issue of Israel My Glory, we explore the life of Samuel from the circumstances surrounding his extraordinary conception to his relationships with Kings Saul and David to the strange, sad incident involving Saul and the medium at En Dor.
May God use this issue to encourage us to pray for our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond; to teach them about Jesus and salvation; and to encourage them to always listen to the “still small voice” of the Lord (1 Ki. 19:12). Enjoy!
Waiting for His Appearing,
Lorna Simcox
Editor-in-Chief
