Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.
2 Kings 22:1-2 (NIV)
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.
2 Kings 22:1-2 (MSG)
Josiah was eight years old when he became king. He ruled for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He lived the way God wanted. He kept straight on the path blazed by his ancestor David, not one step to either left or right.
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“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and reigned for thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father (ancestor) David, and did not turn aside to the right or to the left.” -AMPLIFIED
Amon, king of Judah, reigned for two short years. His officials conspired against him and put him to death. Josiah, Amon’s young son, who was only eight years old, inherited the throne. Josiah reigned for 31 years and we are told that he was a good king. In fact, we are told that he was righteous in the Eternal’s eyes.
It is amazing that someone so young would be called upon to do such a large job. We must remember that God will use whom He chooses to use. He is just looking for those who are willing to allow Him to use them. Josiah was on of those willing vessels. Listen to what the writer of Kings wrote about Josiah:
“He continually did what was right, just as his ancestor David had. He did not ever step away from the righteous path.” -(VOICE)
Considering who his role models had been, it is amazing that Josiah turned out so well. There is something interesting that we need to know about this young king; his name, Josiah, means “healed by Jehovah”. This is quite interesting since his brazenly wicked father, who wanted nothing to do with Jehovah, would allow him to be called this. This boy King would become the catalyst in leading the people of Judah once again back to Jehovah. Josiah would be an instrument in leading the people to Jehovah for healing. This reform began when he was a child and we will look more into it in the coming days. Josiah shows us the influence a person can have even as a child; from a very young age. God can use anyone; just as long as they are willing to be used.
There are many young people mentioned in Scripture that did great things for God. God chose them because they were willing to set aside their own agendas in order to do what was right and good in the Lord’s eyes. Consider:
1.) David – Who was an obscure and often overlooked young man. He
sought God as a teen and never looked back. His first great act was killing Goliath.
2.) Jeremiah – Called at the age of 17 to be a prophet in Israel.
3.) Daniel – He was ripped from his home as a teen and forced to live
in a culture that celebrated everything that God stood against. Still Daniel stood for God.
4.) Mary the mother of Jesus – Who willingly became a teenage mother and raised the Son of God.
And these are just a few of the many young people recorded who were willing to step up to the call of God
“The reality is that the Lord never calls the qualified; He qualifies the called.” ~ Henry T. Blackaby
God is looking for those who are willing servants; whether they are young, middle aged or old, it matters not. He desires us to to be submissive and obedient.
* “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” -Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
* “But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am [only] a young man,’ because everywhere I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. “Do not be afraid of them [or their hostile faces], for I am with you [always] to protect you and deliver you,” says the Lord.” -Jeremiah 1:7-8 (AMP)
* “But celebrate this: God selected the world’s foolish to bring shame upon those who think they are wise; likewise, He selected the world’s weak to bring disgrace upon those who think they are strong. God selected the common and the castoff, whatever lacks status, so He could invalidate the claims of those who think those things are significant. So it makes no sense for any person to boast in God’s presence.” -1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (VOICE)
* “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” -1 Timothy 4:12
“Will God ever ask you to do something you are not able to do? The answer is yes–all the time! It must be that way, for God’s glory and kingdom. If we function according to our ability alone, we get the glory; if we function according to the power of the Spirit within us, God gets the glory. He wants to reveal Himself to a watching world.” ~ Henry T. Blackaby, Experiencing the Spirit: The Power of Pentecost Every Day
Are you willing and ready to be used by God?
My Prayer:
Lord, here I am; use me I pray. I am willing. Help my heart and mind to be focused on you and not on all the “impossibilities” I see in front of me. You are the One who can do the impossible. When I am feeling daunted remind me that it is you who does the equipping. Remind me that it is you who puts the words in my mouth, the love in my heart, and the wisdom in my mind. Lord, I am in faith stepping out; trusting that YOU will work out all the details. Let’s go, Lord, I know together we are headed for a great adventure!
Growing with God 