All Grown Up
1. Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years.
2. He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.
3. During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images.
4. He ordered that the altars of Baal be demolished and that the incense altars which stood above them be broken down. He also made sure that the Asherah poles, the carved idols, and the cast images were smashed and scattered over the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. . . .
5. And so he purified Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 34:1-5
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What did you have on your mind at the age of eight? Perhaps it was a long time ago, but think back if you can. What were your favorite subjects in school? What were your favorite activities? What did you want to be when you grew up?
Josiah didn’t really have an opportunity to dream about what he wanted to be when he grew up. When Josiah was eight years old he became the king of Judah. Imagine the immense responsibility he had at such a young age. But his age wasn’t a negative factor for the job. In fact, it may have been an asset. This story will make you rethink the potential that is packed in kids who love God.
As you read this passage, you will find other lessons in the lives of Judah’s kings: exercising your second chances (Manasseh); not missing a cue (Amon); godly sorrow (Josiah); and the cost of overestimating one’s own goodness (Josiah).
Josiah became king when he was eight years old. In Josiah’s day, boys were considered to be men at age twelve. By sixteen, Josiah understood the responsibility of his office (2 Chronicles 34:3). Even at this young age, Josiah showed greater wisdom than many of the older kings who had come before him, because he decided to seek the Lord God and his wisdom.
Some people use age as an excuse for not serving the Lord: “I’m too young,” or “I’m too old,” or “I’ve only been a Christian for a short time—I don’t know enough.” It is clear from this passage that God can use people of any age to make a difference for him. They just need to be willing and open.
Don’t let your age make you feel disqualified from serving God. Learn from Josiah’s example—that God can use you at any age if you will listen to him and obey his Word.
