Daily Devotional

In 2013, King Oyo became the world's youngest serving monarch—reigning over the Kingdom of Toro, which is one of four kingdoms in the country of Uganda—at the young age of 19. King Oyo—whose full name is Rukirabasaija Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV—actually ascended to the throne when he was just three years old. Born in 1992, he became ruler of the kingdom in 1995 when his father unexpectedly passed away. Upon his ascension, he became the thirteenth ruler in the kingdom’s 180-year history and, not surprisingly, he became the youngest monarch in the world.

As can be expected, he was aided in his rule by three regents—his mother, aunt, and godmother—until he was 18. These three ladies helped rule over the affairs of the kingdom and trained him to be king. But by age 19, he had full control over all the affairs of Toro, a task that is large for anyone, never mind a 19-year-old!

The Bible details a number of young rulers as well. One of those was King Josiah who, at the age of eight, became king of Judah. What was most remarkable about Josiah’s reign, however, was not that he was so young. What was most remarkable was the fact that he “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:2) and restored true worship among God’s people.

This is particularly noteworthy because Josiah’s reign came during a dark period in Israel’s and Judah’s history. Thus, this young man was able to restore—at least for a season—the worship of the true God when all else seemed hopeless.

Josiah’s example should be encouraging to all of us—whether young, old, or anywhere in between. Enabled by God’s grace, we can stand tall for Him.