2 Kings 22:1a, 2, 23:1a, 2b, 3, 25
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king…He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left…The king called together…all the people from the least to the greatest…[He] stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, regulations and decrees…Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength…”

Mark 10:13-16
“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.  When Jesus saw this, he was indignant.  He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’  And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”

Isaiah 9:6-7
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders…He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom…forever.”

Father of all creation, you take joy in small hands and spacious hearts.

Through the humility of a king who did not cease to be a child, you guided your people back to their true kingdom.  Your Son was glad to bless the little feet of those who would spread word of a new covenant.

Teach us to be obedient and trusting.  May we learn to reign under Christ’s gentle hand.

This we ask in his name, the true child King who through innocent integrity leads us into victory.

Listen to ‘Come to Me’ featuring Sandra McCracken