August 3: Children and the value of instruction and example

2 Chr 33:14-34:33
Rom 16:10-27
Ps 26:1-12
Pro 20:19

I love the story of Josiah. He became king at age 8, and 8 years later, at the age of 16, he began to seek God. Four years after that, at 20, he began to purge the sin from Judah and Jerusalem, taking down the Asherah poles and the high places and the idols. And at 26, he commenced the repair of the temple - at which point, God chose to reveal Himself. Hilkiah found the Book of the Law in the temple, and when it was read to Josiah, its was meaningful to him, so much so that, despite the life he'd lived in pursuit of, and obedience to, the Lord, he tore his robes in despair at the nation's sinfulness.

I aspire to such a relationship with God, for myself, and for my family - that, when we hear God's word, it should resonate so fully in us, it should make it abundantly clear how sinful and unworthy we are in the presence of God's perfection. But here's the thing: there are 8 years from the time Josiah ascended to the throne and the time he began to seek God. In those 8 years, did he reject God the way so many of his predecessors did? I don't know the answer for sure, but I think it very seldom someone develop a hunger for God at 16 without an example, without others' guidance, and without having been lifted into God's care in prayer. And if my thinking is correct, it is interesting to note how early all that began.

So going from the example of Josiah's life, if we want our children to get to know God, if we want their hearts to break for what breaks God's heart, then we need to provide that example and that guidance, and we need to lift them up in prayer. Josiah's story tells us it is never too early. God's power and mercy confirm that it is never too late.

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