Josiah was eight years old when he became king. (2 Kings 22:1)
Expanded Passage: 2 Kings 22:1
He was about eleven or twelve years old. Following a sermon in his local church in New York on “the call to ministry,” he sought out that morning’s preacher to seek counsel and advice. The young boy clearly testified to a deep sense of belief that his life was to be spent in ministry and he asked several questions about recommended places to study following high school and related matters. But his core question was “Am I too young?”
The story of Samuel tells us that his dad, Elkanah, went home from the annual sacrifice to the Lord, but Samuel stayed behind to minister for the Lord under Eli the priest. While his precise age is not specified, the context of the event makes it clear that Samuel was very young, but in time, he would grow to become one of Israel’s greatest leaders.
Christ himself was found confounding the priests and elders in the temple when he was only twelve. While he was truly one-of-a-kind, his anointed interaction with the elders at this young age would seem to indicate that a call to ministry is not strictly a matter of biological age.
Care must be given when coaching or counseling young people seeking the Master’s direction for their lives. However, we must always remember that one of the greatest and most godly kings in Israel was just a kid.
Never underestimate the potential of the young.
HC Wilson is General Superintendent Emeritus of The Wesleyan Church. He and his wife, Debby, reside in New Brunswick, Canada.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
