Devotionals

Young and Inexperienced

by PamFord Davis 
02/16/24
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A reading of the Old Testament reveals a tarnished line of Israel’s kings. One would honor God and lead the Hebrew nation to renewal of covenant vows. The next would worship false gods and the nation would receive God's judgment.

Where does our nation fall today?

Do additional years automatically result in wisdom?

Does God use only the more experienced?

I wonder what most churches consider when listing age qualifications for a prospective pastor. Is there a target age specified? Some seek the enthusiasm and energy of younger ministers. Others may desire the experience and track record of someone older.

Many people would be surprised to read the full story of King Josiah. He began his reign at the tender age of eight and ruled for thirty-one years. (2 Kings 22:1) When in his mid twenty's, the book of God's law was discovered.

“Then Shaphan the court secretary told the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book,’ and Shaphan read it in the presence of the king.

When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes (2 Kings 22:10-11 HCSB).”

Josiah’s influence shaped the nation.

“In addition, Josiah removed the mediums, the spiritists, household idols, images, and all the detestable things that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem. He did this in order to carry out the words of the law that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the Lord’s temple (2 Kings 23:24 HCSB).”