A Thistle and a Cedar: These Meddling Kids

II Chronicles 25:18 But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: " A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon . . . but stay at home! Why ask for trouble?"

This is just a quick word to those 'younger' adults who may read this - "Stay at home." There are things out there that aren't worth the dabbling in. You may have thought, as you were growing up, "Hey cool! I can't wait until I can do that, or go there!" But I want to give you one big spiritual Stay at Home!

In II Chronicles 25, King Amaziah of Judah was feeling all full of himself, so he decided to attack the much stronger nation of N. Israel. King Jehoash responded with the parable of a thistle trying to attack and cedar and warned him to stay at home. Don't meddle with things stronger than you. But of course he didn't listen, attacked and was humiliated. Jehoash came down to Jerusalem, knocked the walls down and ripped out his heart (as he plundered the Temple).

Please - you are a 'meddling' generation. You think that you can get involved in all of these things of the world and remain unscathed. Get out before your defenses are knocked down and your heart is ripped out.

The Bible is very clear about this. Resist the devil - but flee from the things that tempt you. The devil has been defeated and you can stand him down under the name of Christ and he will flee. But the things of this world that tempt you? Get away. Don't dabble, don't meddle - get out. Stay at home. Holiness is about a spiritual separation. It's one thing to have things thrust upon you that you will need to deal with, but as Jehoash said to Amaziah: "Why ask for trouble?"

I'll be honest - it's a decision that reveals a lot about your true intentions in this world.


James 4:7
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2 Timothy 2:22
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.