2 KINGS 22:1-2

Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

TO PONDER

Legend has it that the youngest monarch in history was crowned just before he was born. Shapur II ruled part of Persia in 309 AD. He became the King immediately on his birth as his father had recently died. It was reported that he was crowned while still in his mother’s womb, after advisors placed a crown on top of his mother’s belly.

There are other Europeans who also became monarchs on the day of their birth. 

So Josiah from our reading doesn’t hold any specific world record in terms of ruling from an early age, or longevity, as he ruled 31 years. 

God though, is the longest reigning monarch, the longest serving King. Because he’s been doing the king-stuff for the thousands of years that we have records for – and way before that. There’s no abdication planned, as there’s no successor. 

And thank God that He is in charge. Part of a king’s role is to serve, and we have a servant-king, always available, always there, always present.              

PRAYER: King of Kings and Lord of Lords, we thank you for watching over us every minute of the day. Thank you for your constant and never-changing care for us. Remind us to thank you for that every day. Amen    

Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping