Our Hearts In The Service Of The Lord

I would like to share with you a few thoughts about one aspect of the book of Chronicles that fascinates me. It is interesting for me to see that the Lord found it important to state the kings' ages, how they lived their lives, led the people and served Him.

Our society tells us that children are often not responsible for their actions because of their young age. I agree with that saying on some occasions. At times we tend to think that they don't pay attention to their surroundings. I personally think that there is fallibility in this way of thinking. I remember that as young as six years old, I was aware of what adults around me were doing at times, aware of some sins, and aware of my friends' attitude and their behaviors. I surely was much aware of a God, that I think, would probably punish me as soon as he gets around it, if I did something wrong. Now I know better about my Lord. But that awareness of a God watching over me at all times did stop much wrongdoings at a young age. My understanding and knowledge were limited of course. However, I must say now that I am much grateful of my Catholic upbringing that inculcated the fear of the Lord in me.

Since all scriptures are inspired and written to teach us, what can we learn about young leaders and children hearts? A young heart is more teachable, loving, and truthful. This is probably why the Lord loves little children so much and wanted them around him. He also stated that unless we turn and become like little children at heart we won't make it to the kingdom (Mathew 18:3; Mathew 19:14; Luc 18:16; Mark 10:14).

What age is considered to be young in age? Psychology and modern medicine describe various stages in the growing and maturing process. Since I believe in the Word of God that says to remember God in the days of our youth, I believe that as long as a child starts speaking, and he/she starts to comprehend instructions, he/se could be instructed in the ways of the Lord (Ecclesiast 12:1-8).

Let's go back to the books of Chronicles. What did I learn? I learned that the Lord used people at various ages, even the tender age of seven. I learned that some of the kings – in young age, adolescent, adulthood, and old age -- did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord. We all know of the great David, man after God's heart, and Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived at that time. We know that the hand of the Lord was on them and greatly blessed them. However, four other kings also touched my heart the most and I'll present them to you.

First one, the story of King Asa is found in 2 Chronicles 14 – 16. King Asa had great promises from the Lord that He will always be with him. The Lord gave him great victory by defeating the Ethiopians and Lybians army. He started well in the early years of his kingdom, but hardened his heart in his later years. Later on we read in 2 Chronicles 24 that the king of Israel Baasha came against Asa later on in his life. Asa chose to go to the King of Syria for help instead of the Lord his God as he did in the earlier years of his life against the Ethiopians and Lybians. He would not heed the warning of the Lord and put his trust in men.

Second, the second king story found in 2 Chronicles 24:1-2 state that Joash was seven years old when he began to reign and did what was right all the days of Jehoiada the priest. In verses 17-22 we read, “because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.” Through reading 2 Chronicles 24 we found out that he turned away from the Lord's way. The Lord delivers him into the hands of the Syrians. He killed the son of the priest who helped him in the earlier days of his reign and died by the hand of his servants. We can see how mentorship and surroundings are important in child rearing.

The third one is King Hesekiah who was 25-years-old when he became king. 2 Chronicles 29 –32 present an overview of his life. Although good, faithful and right before the Lord, he became proud in his heart. It caused the Lord to let him to himself in order to test him to see all that was in his heart (2 Chronicles 32: 31).

The last one is the story of King Josiah written in 2 Chronicles 34 – 35. Very interesting! 2 chronicles 34: 1-3 said that Josiah became king at eight years old, and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. At 16, eight years after being king, he chose to learn more about the Lord and began searching the God of his father David. To me there isn't an age too young to learn about the Lord. Do you see yourself and can you imagine being governed by a seven or eight year old child? It may happen in the best household if not careful.

What can we all learn from these kings' stories in reading the books of Chronicles? Five points are made clear to me. First, we can see that we have the freewill to make our own choices in this life, and choose whom we will serve no matter our ages and the circumstances around us. Second, although the Lord is always with us, we will be tested in order for Him to see whom we will serve. Third, although we are dearly beloved, the Lord at times may choose not to intervene in some aspects of our lives to see how truthful and faithful we are towards Him and His ways. Fourth, we should be careful of pride and not allow iniquity to have dominion over us. At last, the Lord will fight our battles and always give us victory when we call on Him first.

Don't forget that our children can learn at all ages and be a testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ who will work mightily in their lives. When will we start integrating our children in our midst and help them develop the leadership skills the Father placed in them? When will we start helping them recognize the gifts of the Spirit the Father placed in them in order to do His work? When will we start motivating them to recognize that establishing the kingdom of God on earth and their living at this time in history is all related for one purpose? After all, the Lord himself at 12 years old taught the leaders of the synagogue who were amazed at His knowledge. He also told His parents looking for Him that He was after His Father's business.

No matter what, know that the Lord will be with you if you are with Him, seek Him with your whole heart, and not put your trust in men. (2 Chronicles 15:1-4) He says that He will never leave nor forsake us. Do you take Him at His Word and have a loving trust in Him? Remember that He pardons everyone who returns to Him and accepts everyone setting their hearts to seek Him.

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11: 28)

Marie Monaus