Daily Devotional for Tuesday, June 23

Uzziah, Judah’s Tenth Ruler

“In the twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah to reign. Sixteen years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned two and fifty years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jecholiah of Jerusalem,” 2 Kings 15:1, 2.

Throughout history there have been young people that have been thrust into greatness. Whether this was by their own volition or by circumstances beyond their control, young people have become kings, queens, great army leaders, navigators, accomplished musicians and composers, and people that have astounded others, no matter their age. Like other adults that have testified of their calling or being thrust into service, they speak of the divine calling they received from the Lord. The Bible records some such as Samuel and David who were called into service by the Lord at a young age, and other kings of Judah who followed the Lord.
King Azariah of Judah, also known as King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:1-3), was thrust into service at the age of sixteen. It is said that for the most part he did that which was right in the sight of God, “Save that the high places were not removed: the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on the high places” (2 Kings 15:4). As a young man, he followed the example of his father Amaziah in how he had followed the Lord. There came a time that he strayed from God’s commands and it came with a price. As a result of his actions, he became a leper and his son ruled for him as he spent the rest of his life, essentially, in a hospital (2 Kings 5:5). King Azariah had been called into service for the Lord no matter his age or his circumstances.

THOUGHT
No matter your age, God is calling you into service. The question to you will be whether or not you will do that which is right in the sight of God and stay faithful to your calling.

Tim Chambers