Leadership Starts at a Young Age

2 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 34; John 6
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Scripture

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. 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.

11 When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. 12 Then he gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the court secretary, and Asaiah the king’s personal adviser: 13 “Go to the Temple and speak to the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the LORD’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.”

18 “But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard: 19 You were sorry and humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD.

Observation

Josiah became king when he was eight years old and by the time he was twenty years old he was already leading the nation to get rid of pagan worship and rebuilding of the Temple. As they were cleaning up and repairing the Temple they found God’s Word and Josiah had it read to him. As he heard God’s Word he realized that the people had been disobedient and God’ wrath and judgment was going to fall on them. The scripture say that this young king tore his clothes and was sorry before God about how his people had disobeyed God.

God answered Josiah’s humble attitude by not bringing judgment on the nation until after Josiah’s death. One godly young man had tremendous influence on a nation. Under his leadership the people turned back to worship the Lord and got rid of their pagan practices.

How did Josiah turn out to be so good and such a strong leader at such a young age?

Application

I will write a word of encouragement to some our young men and women that are leading in our church.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help the young people in our church to become the leaders that we need to grow our church. Give them godly desires and help them to be successful. Protect them from the evil one.

And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in their hearts as they trust in You. May their roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may they have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May they experience the love of Christ, though it is so great they will never fully understand it. Then they will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

And I pray for all those that have taken the 30-Day challenge to read your Word that you bless them for their obedience. In Jesus Name Amen.

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