The one who is described as being “yet a boy” we discover was 16 years old. Who was he? What did he do at this age? In 2 Chronicles 34 a young boy “was eight years old when he began to reign” (2 Chronicles 34:1). His father Amon had died after reigning only two years but he was an ungodly king, like his grandfather Manasseh of whom we read, “The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention” (2 Chronicles 33:10).

The LORD speaks to every generation these days through His written word, but few pay much attention. This 16 year old we read of today was different, “In the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father” (2 Chronicles 34:3). When he was 20 he began to act to destroy all the false places of worship. At his command, “they chopped down the altars of the Baals in his presence” (2 Chronicles 34:4). When he was 26 he gave orders to repair the Temple and make it fit for use in the worship of the Lord.

In the process of doing this, Shaphan the secretary reported to him, “I have found the book of the Law in the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:15). After it had been read before him “the king sent and gathered together all the elders” (2 Chronicles 34:29); then the King himself “read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the covenant” (2 Chronicles 34:30).

The result was a great reformation! What a difference God’s word makes when it is read with intent and purpose by a heart that is seeking to know God better. How great is the need for such a reformation today. In those days the King initiated it, but today it has to start with the individual. God has seen to it that His word is available to be read by all individuals who are awake and recognise the need to seek God. They will make sure they read His word. What position are you in?