by tumaini lutenta | 24 November 2020 08:46 pm11
(Galatians 1:14)
In Swahili, hirimu refers to someone in your peer group—someone who is in the same age range. For example, saying “Peter and John are hirimu” means that they are of the same age or belong to the same age bracket.
But in biblical usage, hirimu can carry broader meaning. It often refers not only to someone of a similar age but more specifically to a young person, often in the stage of youth where learning, strength, and zeal are expected. Biblically, youth is a stage marked by potential for both spiritual growth and responsibility (cf. 1 Timothy 4:12).
Let’s explore this concept through Scripture:
“But the official told Daniel, ‘I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.’”
— Daniel 1:10, NIV
In this passage, the Babylonian official expresses concern that Daniel and his friends—young men in royal training—might appear unhealthy compared to their peers (hirimu). Here, the term implies young men in the same developmental and educational stage, likely teens being groomed for court service (cf. Daniel 1:4). The implication is that people of the same age are expected to be in similar conditions or pursuits.
“I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.”
— Galatians 1:14, ESV
Paul reflects on his past before knowing Christ. He was more advanced than most of his hirimu—his contemporaries—in legalistic Judaism. This verse highlights two key theological truths:
Religious zeal without Christ can become idolatrous and self-righteous (cf. Romans 10:2–4).
Youthful energy can either serve the Kingdom or become a dangerous force when misdirected.
Paul’s life shows that peer groups (hirimu) often become measuring sticks, yet true transformation happens when one’s standard becomes Christ, not human comparison (Philippians 3:7–8).
“He caught a young man from Succoth and questioned him, and the young man wrote down for him the names of the seventy-seven officials of Succoth, the elders of the town.”
— Judges 8:14, NIV
Here, a hirimu is capable of literacy and civic awareness. He is able to list names of leaders, indicating that youth in biblical times were expected to be informed and responsible. This supports the biblical ideal that spiritual and civic responsibility is not reserved for the aged alone (cf. Lamentations 3:27).
Also see:
Judges 17:7, 11 – A young Levite becomes a priest-for-hire, showing both the impressionability and responsibility of youth in religious roles.
Judges 18:3 – The same young Levite later joins the Danites, illustrating how young people must guard against compromising God’s truth for personal gain.
We all belong to different age groups or peer sets. The question is:
What are you doing for God within your generation?
Let us consider a few age-related biblical examples:
“When He was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.” … “They found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions.”
— Luke 2:42, 46, NIV
At just 12 years old, Jesus was deeply engaged in Scripture.
Lesson: If you’re young, let your age not be a hindrance but a foundation for deep spiritual pursuit. As Paul wrote:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers…”
— 1 Timothy 4:12, NIV
“Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.”
— Luke 3:23, NIV
At 30, Jesus began public ministry. His age wasn’t just coincidental; in Jewish tradition, 30 was the age of priestly readiness (cf. Numbers 4:3).
Lesson: Are you using your prime years to serve God’s kingdom with intentionality?
“Now Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.”
— Exodus 7:7, ESV
Though Moses thought he was “too late,” God used him powerfully at 80.
Lesson: It’s never too late to begin serving God. Age does not disqualify you from ministry—unwillingness does (cf. Psalm 92:14).
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…”
— Ecclesiastes 12:1, NIV
This is a universal call to honor God at every stage of life. Youth is a gift—not to be wasted on vanity but invested in eternity.
Are you in your teens? Seek the Word.
In your 20s or 30s? Serve with passion.
In your 40s–70s? Invest your experience in building others.
In your 80s? Finish well like Moses—leaving behind a legacy of obedience and faith.
Shalom.
Share this message with others. If you’d like to receive regular biblical teachings by email or WhatsApp, send us a message at:
📞 +255 789001312 / 0693 036 618
Would you like this formatted as a printable devotional, teaching outline, or PDF tract?
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/11/24/48847/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.