2 Chronicles 33-9.26.22
Scripture
2 Chronicles 33:12-13 NLT
“But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!”
Observation-What does it say?
Manasseh became king of Judah when he was just 12 years old. He did what was evil in the LORD’s sight. He followed pagan practices like witchcraft, sorcery, magic, and even consulted with mediums and psychics. And to top that all off, he even sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the valley of Ben-Hinnom! All of Manasseh’s sinfulness aroused God’s anger. So, God sent the Assyrian armies to capture Manasseh and take him prisoner. It was during this time that Manasseh sincerely cried out to the LORD. God heard Manasseh’s prayers and was so moved by them. He answered Manasseh’s prayers, and rescued him, and brought him back to his kingdom in Jerusalem. It was then that Manasseh realized that there was only ONE True God. So Manasseh chose to humble himself, repent against his sinful ways, and do things God’s way.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Sometimes it takes us hitting rock bottom before we decide to change our ways.
Why are we as people so stubborn sometimes? Why do we have to wait till the absolute last minute sometimes before we change our ways? In the case of Manasseh, maybe it was his immaturity of being thrusted to being the king at such an early age (12 years old) that led to some of his stupid decisions. Or maybe it was the lack of learning from the successes and failures from the kings before him (see my SOUL Journal from last week). Whatever the case may be, Manasseh made the right decision at the end of the day when he decided to call out to God, humble himself, and repent against his sinful ways. It ultimately saved his life and rescued him from captivity. Once Manasseh made that decision, God delivered him from his enemy’s hands and brought him back to his kingdom in Jerusalem.
So why wait till the last minute to call out to God? Why wait till we hit rock bottom? Why not do it now?! God is there waiting for you with open arms (He always has been). He is willing to meet you right where you’re at in life. Don’t let your stubbornness get in the way of something great. Call now! God is standing by.
“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.”-Isaiah 55:6-7 NLT
Life Application
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Live each day doing your best serving the LORD.
You ever watch the movie Schindler’s List? In it the main character Oskar Schindler uses his resources to help save and free thousands of Jewish people from Nazi captivity and death. Even though Oskar was able to save thousands, at the end of the movie he had so much regret. He thought to himself that he could’ve done more. He looked at his watch, then thought if he would have sold it, that would have saved even more Jewish families. He knew he was living an affluent life and at the end of the day, he felt he wasted it away. Oskar felt he could have used his resources and position to save more people.
That movie scene always hits me. All I know is that when I meet Jesus face to face, I would not want to think like that. I don’t want to think like Oskar, “I could have done more.” When my life is said and done, I would like to think that I did the best I could with what I had; that I served God each day of my life to the fullest. I pray when I do see Jesus face to face, that I am welcomed with Him telling me “well done my good and faithful servant.” 😊
-Moses Gaddi