There is always hope for the wayward soul

SCRIPTURE:  2 Chronicles 33: 12-13  In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.  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.  Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.

OBSERVATION: Manasseh became king of Judah after his father Hezekiah passed on.  Although Hezekiah made a few mistakes, he did what was “right in the eyes of the LORD.”

Manasseh being king at the young age of 12 did what was “evil in the eyes of the LORD.”  He placed carved images in God’s temple, worshiped the stars in the sky, practiced sorcery, led an entire nation into sin..he even sacrificed his own sons by burning them alive in worship to foreign gods!  He provoked the LORD to anger and He brought judgment to Manasseh by allowing him to be captured by the commanders of Assyria and led out of the city with legs bound and a hook through his nose.  However he humbled himself “greatly” before the LORD and He restored him to Judah.

APPLICATION: The mercy and forgiveness of God is unfathomable!  This king had nearly destroyed not only the land, but the people of an entire nation.  He even killed his own sons.  Pretty much anything you could do to go against God, Manasseh was involved in.  But he was stripped bare.  Everything fell apart.  He lost it all in a moment.  At that point in my own mind I might even say to myself surely he deserves to die.  This is judgment by God and he’s going to pay for what he did.  There’s no hope for him.  Every said those words?  Too far gone..

But he humbled himself and cried out to the LORD and GOD restored him!  W-w-w-hat?  If anyone had deserved and stored up wrath upon oneself it was this guy. But…THE LOVE OF GOD..I am now most certainly convinced that no matter now far anyone has strayed, disobeyed, or defied the LORD there is still hope for them if they would turn and repent.

Recognizing the one true God and humbling themselves unto Him.  Truly He opposes the proud (not a good place to be) but gives grace to the humble (Spirit-filled living).  And as the apostle James might state “Mercy triumphs over judgment!  Can I get a Hallelujah?

PRAYER:  LORD, I am astounded at Your mercy and Your love.  I cannot comprehend it.  The beat of Your heart sends shockwaves out to unbind the humbled captives.  Your heart is too great to comprehend.  Jesus, thank You for taking the punishment and wrath upon Yourself for me.  I am reminded of the woman that was brought before You to be stoned for being caught in the very act of adultery (John 8)..deserving of judgment and death according to Deuteronomy 22:22..however You did not dismiss her punishment, You took it upon Yourself!  "Amazing Love, how can it be, that You, my King would die for me.  Amazing Love, I know it’s true.  And it’s my joy to honor You."  In all I do, may I honor You.  And may I never give up on anyone but rather intercede in prayer and praise on their behalf that You may yet humble them and extend Your mercy unto the salvation of their soul.  Amen