It says in Proverbs 20:29, “The glory of young men is their strength.” What does this actually mean? At the Brunstad feast in Harstad, northern Norway, this theme was explored in a clear and practical way through messages, various short films, panel discussions, and songs.
The feast leader and program leader, Kjetil Gjøsund, tells us the theme of the feast was chosen because of the large, strong youth group in Harstad. “The church here in Harstad has a particularly large percentage of young people who are gripped by Jesus. Therefore, we thought that this theme suited us especially well,” he says.
Why are there so many young people?
Gjøsund attributes the large youth group to the fact that the youth in Harstad have been blessed with a clear preaching of God’s Word. “Those who preach the Word are not populist youth and children’s ministers looking for adherents; they are people who themselves from a young age, in the power of faith in the word of life, have lives that are much happier and more interesting than average. Gjøsund believes this is why the youth also become gripped of the same life.
“Those who preach the Word are not populist youth and children’s ministers looking for adherents; they are people who themselves from a young age, in the power of faith in the word of life, have lives that are much happier and more interesting than average."
What does “The glory of young men is their strength” mean?
This feast is especially aimed toward young people. By the help of examples drawn from their own youth time, the brothers make the gospel simple and clear for the youth. In an introductory film, the theme of the Brunstad Feast was clarified in several ways. Here the scripture, “The glory of young men is their strength” (Proverbs 20:29) is explained.
“Young people do not have so much wisdom, knowledge, and life-experience – but they have a great inner strength in their lives by having a pure heart given wholly to God”
“Young people do not have so much wisdom, knowledge, and life-experience – but they have a great inner strength in their lives by having a pure heart given wholly to God,” says Kåre J. Smith. “And the power to take action that this gives is a tremendous glory for a young person.”
The power of the Holy Spirit
The films and the other parts of the feast emphasize how crucial it is to be filled with the Holy Spirit early in one’s youth time. “It is only by this Spirit that we can overcome sin in the flesh,” says Kåre J. Smith. It is also brought out how important it is to be careful and exact in all the big and small situations of life. If you try to cheat and sin a little in the hidden, the Holy Spirit will depart right away. Your heart must be kept completely pure if you are to keep this power for the rest of your life.
The Brunstad feast moves at a steady pace, going from one exciting feature to the next. The church in Harstad is able to offer a unique show. After a great cultural feature about the Sami, the region’s indigenous people, the young Sami show a new side of the culture by taking over the stage with intense hip-hop “moves.” The audience really enjoys this.
The feast is brought to a close with a film of people from all over the world telling what they would do if they were young today. Thereby, the youth are given many important pieces of advice to take home and use in their own lives.
After three and one-half hours, the broadcast ends, and a thankful feast leader, Kjetil Gjøsund, says he is very satisfied with the feast.
“I have a respect and thankfulness for being allowed to be a part of doing something that can bless so many people around the globe – people from completely different backgrounds, cultures, geographies, childhoods, and economic situations, who have the same hope and faith: to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” (2 Peter 3:14)