For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
A book had been lost for a long, long time - and it was God's own Word. When a young king finally hears it read aloud, watch what his heart does.
Today's Story
Josiah was only eight years old when he became king - about as old as you might be! And even as a young king, Josiah loved God and wanted to do what was right.
God's temple, the special house for worship, had gotten old and broken. So Josiah said, “Let's fix it up!” Workers came with hammers and wood and got busy.
While they were cleaning and repairing, a priest named Hilkiah found something dusty and forgotten: the Book of God's Word. It had been lost for years and years! Nobody had read it in a very long time.
They brought the book to the king and read it out loud. As Josiah listened, his heart grew soft and sad. He understood that his people had drifted far from the good things God had said. Josiah didn't puff himself up or pretend he hadn't heard. He bowed low before God with a humble, tender heart.
And God saw. God said, “Because your heart was tender, and you made yourself humble before Me, I have heard you.” God loves a heart that listens to His Word and softens, instead of one that hardens and looks away.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- When a grown-up reads you something important, what helps you really listen instead of letting it bounce right off?
- Josiah was young, but his heart was soft toward God. What do you think it means to have a “soft” or “tender” heart?
- The Book of God's Word had been lost and forgotten. How can we make sure we don't forget the good things God says?