Elections in Finland rarely make headlines in the United States. However, that changed recently when this Nordic country named a new Prime Minister: 34-year-old Sanna Marin (shown below). With her appointment, Marin became the youngest state leader in the world, and she also oversees a remarkably young cabinet.

 

My suspicion is that this event garnered so much attention precisely because it defied expectations and assumptions. People aren't accustomed to seeing a young adult woman elevated to such a prestigious and powerful office. It is a remarkable and inspiring achievement.

 

In somewhat similar fashion, there is a story in the Bible (which you can find HERE) where Jesus, at just 12 years old, is teaching in Jerusalem's temple. Those listening to him - all of whom were presumably much older religious scholars - were amazed by the content of Jesus' answers, and shocked by his level of understanding and wisdom.

 

Why were they shocked? Simply put, they were not accustomed to seeing such a young person possessing that level of spiritual wisdom and insight. Many would have assumed that Jesus was "too young" or "too inexperienced" to offer anything of value...yet there he was, amazing the most prominent religious minds in Jerusalem.

 

This Sunday, we will explore this story and consider together what it might mean for how we think about the young people in our midst. We'll consider the remarkable and surprising truth that we have much to learn about God and Christian discipleship from the youngest members of our community.

 

Please be aware that we have one service this week at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. I'm glad to be assisted in worship by Mary Kate McAlister (a longtime Covenant member and student at Columbia Seminary), as well as Martin Pruitt (Covenant's director of high school youth ministries). I look forward to worshipping God alongside you!

 

Faithfully yours,

Ian