Josiah was eight years old when he became king of Israel. He is famous for being a great king who brought revival to the land. That part didn’t actually happen until he was twenty-six. But, some kind of foundation must have been laid in the eight-year-old that made him eager to embrace the word of God. When one of his construction workers found an ancient Bible in the Temple, King Josiah started a national movement back to God.
Scholars think Samuel was probably about eight years old when God first spoke to him. He had never heard God’s voice before and didn’t even recognize it. Even after he gave the amazing prophetic word to Eli, it doesn’t seem like he figured out exactly what was going on. He eventually grew up to be a great prophet and leader in Israel where “not one of his words fell to the ground.”
When my husband was eight years old, he devoured a series of books called The Sugar Creek Gang. Sometime in his late forties, he discovered one of the books among his mother’s possessions. He flipped to a random section and began reading to me. In the passage he chose, the boys were taking a break from their summer adventures to attend a revival meeting. One little boy’s father was at the altar leading another little boy’s alcoholic father to the cross. The narrator said,(and I paraphrase) “Right then I knew. When I grow up I want to be a doctor just like my dad. The kind of doctor who takes care of people when they are sick and then leads them to Jesus.”
We both caught our breath. Because you know what my husband grew up to become? Yep. The kind of doctor who takes care of people when they are sick and then leads them to Jesus.
If you currently have an eight year old boy in your life, pay attention. If not, go find one and make sure he has everything he needs to hear God and succeed!
Shelby read the entire book of Revelations when he was 8. Someone told me yesterday that points to a “man” who is interested in God’s plan for the world…I sure pray this is so.
That is a great way to look at it, Carol. I know a praying mother makes a big difference in a man’s life.
My 8-year-old’s favorite story at the moment is the two spies into Jericho. I’d never thought about the significance of this particular age. It’s the first time I remember “asking Jesus into my heart” actually.
Oh, cool, Serenity. Be sure and take Drew further on to see how Caleb eventually gets his mountain and smashes those giants who originally kept him out. I love that part.
Jesse just wrote a short essay about how Paul is his favorite Bible character because he taught the people about God. Hmmm . . . Of course, he also wants to be a wide receiver in the NFL . . .
On our way home from Quincy last night Peter talked and asked questions non-stop about war and compassion and mercy. He says he knows he will be a soldier who will rescue people and then teach them that you can only follow one leader the God of Love or the Devil who Hates. Hmmm.
Oh, my goodness, Molly. I hope you tucked that one away to ponder in your heart like Mary. It’s a good thing we trust God.
And, I figure we could use another Christian in the NFL, Felic…
I read your post to Don tonight and he told me he was eight years old when he had his first encounter with the Lord Jesus! I love pondering these things.
Oh my goodness! After reading all of these stories I’m glad I’ve got four more years until I have an eight year old (although, a girl). I might freak out with the weight of responsibility! I’m sort of freaking out now! š
Don’t freak out, Eleanor. None of us knew we were feeding greatness at our supper tables.
I’m pretty sure that if Serenity wants to do another book, all she has to do is call it “Quotes from my Mom” and she’d have a huge bestseller!! “None of us knew we were feeding greatness at our supper tables.” That.Is.Aweswome!!
Thanks, Carol.