Reading

• 2 Kings 21:17-18a; 2 Chron. 33:18-20a
• 2 Kings 21:18b-19
• 2 Chron. 33:22-23
• 2 Kings 21:25, 23, 26a, 24; 22:1-2; 23:25-27

Devotional

When Manasseh died, his son Amon became king of Judah. Although GOD blessed Manasseh after his repentance, GOD did not turn away from the punishment He planned for Judah because of all the evil that Manasseh had led the people to commit. Amon was 22 years old when he became king and he reigned 2 years. He did evil and was assassinated. Afterward, Amon’s son Josiah became king at the young age of 8. Josiah set his heart upon serving GOD and followed through. See what great words are included about him in GOD’s word:

¹ 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. ² 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…²⁵ Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.
(2 Kings 22:1-2; 23:25 NIV)

Young people have a tremendous opportunity to influence others. It’s important to commit yourself to GOD as early as possible, so as to maximize your opportunity for GOD to use you for His glory. Remember the instructions of Solomon from Ecclesiastes:

¹ Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”
(Eccl. 12:1 NKJV)

Later, the apostle Paul would instruct the young evangelist Timothy:

¹² Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
(1 Tim. 4:12 NKJV)

Young people can be a tremendous example. Regardless of your age, purpose in your heart today to be a good example for others.