Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “You Are Never Too Young To Serve”

*DAILY BREAD – A DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN*

Eastern Nigeria Union Conference Children’s Ministries

*THEME: I WILL GO*

Friday, June 17, 2022

*Topic: You are never too young to serve God*

_But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered; and they hid him and his nurse in the bedroom, from Athaliah, so that he was not killed. So he was hidden with her in the house of the LORD for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land. 2Kings 11:2-3_

Queen Jezebel is pointed to as the epitome of evil. She led Israel into open idolatry and tried to completely wipe out the worship of God. Her daughter, Athaliah, made in her mother’s image, led Judah astray as well. Athaliah influenced her husband, Jehoram, to kill all of his brothers. After Jehoram’s death, her son Ahaziah was king for a short time. But when he died, her love for power caused her to try to kill her grandchildren who were rivals to the throne she wanted. Have you noticed how this story sounds more and more like Cinderella or Snow White? Truth is more interesting than fantasy.
So here in the history of Israel, the wicked grandmother, Queen Athaliah, ruled for 6 years, while the young prince, Joash, grew up hidden in the temple. Joash was a boy with great potential. His life was obviously under God’s provident care. At age one he had been rescued from death when his wicked grandmother, Athaliah, killed all his brothers. He was raised secretly in the temple by his godly uncle Jehoaida, the high priest and his wife, aunt Josheba. Like John Wesley, who as a child narrowly escaped from a burning house, Joash was anointed king at age seven when the wicked Athaliah was executed and Joash had a lifetime opportunity of serving the Lord and leading His people. We can see that the godly parenting that Joash received from his aunt and uncle coupled with the directives of God’s plan kept Joash alive all through the time his wicked grandmother was intoxicated with power.
The high priest and his wife, are a type of all godly parents and believers who want God’s best for their children. Young Joash is a type of those children who are easy prey for the enemy. Christian parents are to provide everything that is needed for the spiritual nourishment of our children by providing them with Bibles, Hymnals, study guides and Christian literature. We are to show them that God’s principles can sustain them for the rest of their lives even when we, the parents are no longer alive. Parents must guard them and train them carefully.
Where are the godly parents of the 21st century who are training their children? If the church does not reach out to children, if godly parents do not train their children, and if concerned believers do not influence the lives of children, then enemy will capture their minds and hearts and destroy them.
The Psalmist, in Psalm 119:11 said that he has hidden the word of God in His heart that he might not commit any sin. Therefore, we should encourage our children daily in the way of the Lord.
When we walk according to the plan of God for our lives, we are simply telling God that we are ready for him to lead us in the path of righteousness and to help us succeed in our endeavors. It is only under the guidance of God that we can be safe from life’s troubles.

*Song*
Under His wings I am safely abiding;
Though the night deepens and tempests are wild,
Still I can trust Him;
I know He will keep me;
He has redeemed me and I am His child
*Refrain*
Under His wings, under His wings,
Who from His love can sever?
Under His wings, my soul shall abide,
Safely abide forever.

*Prayer*
Dear God, help me to walk according to your plan for my life, that I may experience your guidance in my life. Lord please give our parents and other Christian adults the courage and concern to reach out today in prayer and actions to influence young people all around them in the name of our Lord Jesus have I prayed, Amen.