FROM WICKED TO WORSHIPER!

 

Friday, August 27, 2021

 

FROM WICKED TO WORSHIPER!

 

2 Chron 33:10-13

10 And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.

11 Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.

12 And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,

13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.

 

           Manasseh was arguably Judah’s worst king! “Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzi–bah. 2 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, after the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. 2 Kings 21:1-2. He burned his children as sacrifices to an idol. He reigned 55 years and died ay the age of 67.

 

           Something bad yet good happened to Manasseh. During a conflict with the Assyrians, he got caught in a thorn thicket. The enemy captured him and put him in prison in Babylon. That was bad, but the afflictions of prison caused him to pray to the One true God. That was good! God heard him and ultimately allowed him to return home a changed man.

 

           There are important lessons to learn from the life of Manasseh. Never give up on a wicked person. You may abandon your efforts, but never discount God in the process. When something bad happens to you, remember that God is in control and may be forming a wonderful result.

Dear Lord let me not be discouraged by the actions of the wicked. You may yet convert them – perhaps in prison. Never let me abandon hope regarding my own circumstances. You may yet turn mourning into laughter. AMEN