Manasseh, King of Judah (700 BC), was terrible! He came from a good family. His father, Hezekiah, was a great king who respected God and his people. His son did not. After listing all the evil things Manasseh did, the Biblical writer sums up his influence by saying, “Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations [who did not know God] (2 Chronicles 33:9).
God tried to get Manasseh’s attention. He sent messengers and prophets, and yet, nothing changed. Eventually, God allowed Manasseh’s enemies to attack. They captured the king, put a ring in his nose and shackles on his hands and feet and took him back to Babylon as a prisoner. It is here that the story becomes really interesting.
2 Chronicles 33:12-13 says, “In his [Manasseh’s] distress, he sought the favour of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom”.
Did you catch the keywords? Manasseh sought God, humbled himself and prayed. While that is surprising, God’s response is even more incredible. God listened and was moved by Manasseh’s sincerity. So much so that God not only allowed Manasseh to go back to Jerusalem but gave him his entire kingdom back as well.
What!? One of the worst kings in history changed his mind and heart. He pleaded with God and God not only forgave him but blessed him beyond measure.
Is that the God you know? It better be because that gracious, kind, responsive God is the only one that exists.
Sometimes we get the wrong picture. Sometimes, we think we have been so bad that we cannot come back. Sometimes, we believe that God is mad or against us. None of that is true.
Just ask Manasseh!
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
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