Day Forty-Eight “A Tender Heart”
Anticipation filled the air, almost rivaling Christmas morning! My three young boys had positioned themselves in the back yard, so excited they could barely contain themselves. Our sweet, elderly neighbor had been working on a secret venture for weeks, a new, hand-crafted playhouse for our boys, and today was the day that he was pulling his project of love into position with his tractor. Soon that red playhouse, with its shuttered windows and welcoming front door, was nestled against the tree line at the back edge of our property, a few feet away from the woods that our boys loved. That little house would be the center of many boyhood adventures, just little boys being little boys. The playhouse was eventually abandoned as those young ones crossed the threshold into adulthood, but the happy memories of play would remain forever.
In II Chronicles we meet another young boy, a boy who didn’t have time to experience the joy of a new playhouse and childhood adventures, for was burdened with ruling and leading a nation. Josiah was anointed king of Judah at the tender age of eight. Eight, imagine that! Although I can’t comprehend the thought of such a young child handling this awesome responsibility, we are given insight into his spiritual maturity as we read, “While he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father.” Those devoted to Josiah’s care laid that godly foundation in this young boy’s life and guided his steps to Jehovah, God. We are told that young Josiah cleansed Judah of idol worship and repaired the house of God which had been long neglected.
While executing his temple renovation, a priceless discovery was made, the book of the law written by Moses. After reading the words of that book, Josiah was so moved by what he read that he humbled himself and wept, for he realized that his people had offended an almighty God with their disobedience and rebellion. Then this young king exemplified godly leadership as he gathered his people and “…read in their ears all the words of the book…” Josiah, showing maturity beyond his years, led Judah in spiritual revival by sharing God’s Word with them. Though young, “…his heart was tender,” and God can always use a tender heart.
God can use anyone who has a tender heart toward Him and His Word, regardless of age; you are never too young or too old to have a heart that is open to the Holy Spirit. Don’t let your age be an excuse, but use that life to draw others to the Savior. A heart tender, open to the Spirit’s direction and leading, can accomplish great things for God.
II Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Lord, bless Your church with young lives devoted to You, willing to lead by example. Help them to catch Josiah’s spirit of revival. Help us to realize that a tender heart, at any age, is valuable in Your sight.
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