The boy king

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. – 2 Kings 22.1-2

It is interesting that we look at King Josiah at this time. We have been studying him in church and in fact I am preaching a message about him this morning. If anyone is looking for a great character study Josiah would be a great place to start.

Josiah became king when he was just eight years old. That is hard to imagine. Our grandson AJ has just turned eight years old. King AJ would be almost incomprehensible.

But Josiah became king at eight years old. He doesn’t begin his reforms until he is sixteen, but we read some things about his character from the very start that lay the foundation for the rest of his reign and his life.

Josiah did what was right in God’s eyes
He walked in the ways of his ancestor David
He would not be turned aside to the right or left

These traits of the boy king are a good pattern for all of us. His life is an example that we ought to emulate. The first is just simply to do right. We know right from wrong. It's not complicated. We know how to do right. The problem is doing it. There's not a whole lot to say here – just do the right thing.

Josiah had a pattern to follow. He followed the example of King David, who was a man after God’s own heart. David was not perfect, but his heart was right.

Then he could not be turned aside to the right or the left. He was determined. He stayed on track. The distractions of the world were not going to distract him.

It's that last one that interests and challenges me. There is so much to grab my attention and try to distract me. It's hard to keep my focus. How do I stay on track?

The writer of Hebrews described it well. ‘Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’

The answer is ‘looking unto Jesus.’ Keeping my eyes on Christ, something Peter forgot to do, is the only way to not get turned from all the stuff around me.

Lord, help me keep my eyes on You.