Lessons from Child Kings

Adam Hamilton’s sermon on “The Three Child-Kings” really touched me today. Having read about Joash, Manasseh and Josiah in the Old Testament, I wasn’t prepared for the spiritual applications contained in their story.

Like Joash, I fell away from God as a young adult. Even though I’ve returned, I will have to be careful to apply the lessons from his story to prevent falling away again by

• Keeping my faith in God and not in a particular person or church
• Go to church to love the Lord — no matter who is preaching
• Listen no matter what and try to learn one spiritual truth from sermon
• Enjoy having been in God’s presence just by being there
• Tune out negative comments / people so that they don’t detract from God and his message

Like Manesseh, I’m seeking God’s forgiveness for my sins. Hopefully, I can be like Manesseh and humble myself before God and receive his forgiveness (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). This story teaches that

• God is rich in mercy
• God welcomed me back
• God forgives no matter what I’ve done
• God is a God of Second Chances

As I walk in Faith, I hope that I can become like Josiah who worshipped the Lord all of his life. To remain in God’s light I will need to

• Boldly and couragesly live for God
• Listen for God’s Word
• Read and study God’s Word and apply it to  my life
• Recomit my life to Jesus Christ and God