JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
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Read Proverbs Chapter 14
2 Chronicles 33
1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:
2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.
3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
4 Also he built altars in the house of the Lord, whereof the Lord had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.
5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord.
6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger.
7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:
8 Neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from out of the land which I have appointed for your fathers; so that they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.
9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.
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.
14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.
15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.
16 And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.
17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the Lord their God only.
18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and his prayer unto his God, and the words of the seers that spake to him in the name of the Lord God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel.
19 His prayer also, and how God was intreated of him, and all his sins, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers.
20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his stead.
21 Amon was two and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned two years in Jerusalem.
22 But he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them;
23 And humbled not himself before the Lord, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but Amon trespassed more and more.
24 And his servants conspired against him, and slew him in his own house.
25 But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his stead.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
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.
Sometimes the Lord has to bring us to a dark place, in order for his light to shine brightly. We see here how God did just that. He had to bring the king to a very low and humbling spot before he had his attention. If we ourselves would learn from this to just listen to the voice of God. We would undoubtedly save ourselves alot of frustration and heartache. Pastor has done such a phenomenal job at relaying what we must do. To praise and worship God. To trust him and get rid of our stinking thinking.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
We must call on God and seek Him and his kingdom.
14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.
15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.
Thank God for the change of heart that Mennasah had. for a long time he was worshiping idols and following false gods not only that but he was leading his people to do the same. but thanks be to God that he had a change of heart and repented. as a result of his repentance the people of God were spared the Judgment of God. he did not just repent with words but he repented with actions by throwing out all of the idols and tearing down all of the high places. true repentance will lead to works and actions.
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.
It makes me wonder what was lost from his father to him, his father had done good int he sight of God and now for him not to understand the Lord is God. Makes me want to be more instructional to my own children that they know why and who God is, to avoid what it took for God to get my attention. Some people need a radical personal experience to humble them, some are willing to listen the first time God tries to get their attention because they failed to recognize his deity, and others seem to just fall in love with Christ without any type of trials. Every person has a different way to be reached, and it should be our mission to see where we fit to let God use us to reach these people when he is dealing with them.
iLove to Grow in the Word
12But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13And 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!
Manasseh’s story is one of true repentance. His testimony is one like the prodigal son in the fact that in his distress he returned to God. The Word says that he humbled himself that he prayed. The #1 cause of prayerlessness is pride. This is why it is so dangerous to pamper those who have turned their backs on God. We end up trying to become their savior all the while God wants them in distress so they might return to their senses. Humility leads to true heartfelt prayer that changes the course of our lives.
THE PAIN OF STUBBORNNESS
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.
One freedom that GOD has granted every individual is the FREEDOM of Choice. We are free to choose life and make life decisions however we desire. We witness this freedom here in Manasseh. Making his own plans, doing his own thing, serving his own will, planning his own time. His choices were leading people away from GOD.
The LORD spoke, but unfortunately like so many others, the Leader and the people would not listen.
The RESULT (PAIN)
Manasseh was now captive, a prisoner of the world, slave to carnality.
MSG
11 Then God directed the leaders of the troops of the king of Assyria to come after Manasseh. They put a hook in his nose, shackles on his feet, and took him off to Babylon.
This is the hope of STUBBORNESS, this is the promise to backsliders, this is the reward for the self willed, self promoters, self serving people who think they deserve special privileges for serving. You will be a slave to the world and its system.
Your next move will determine your destiny as it did Manasseh.
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.
1. HUMBLE yourself
14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.
2. SEPARATE from the world
15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.
3. REPENT from and destroy sin (idolatry)
16 And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.
4. REPAIR the ALTAR of the LORD.
Revive and restore, Prayer, Worship, Giving and Reaching.
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9 But Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the Lord had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land.
10 The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. 11 So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. 12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13 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!
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 did not listing to the warning of god. So god send a man to take him captains piercing his body he now realize that there was a god and humble hisself. So god took him back to the place were he was king. He start to take down his sinful thing.
God is really warning some of us. Will we listen to the warning or will we ignore it
9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.
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.
A lot of confusion took place during these scriptures. From Hezekaih a man of God to a son who rebelled then repented then To the next generation which rebelled.
Hezekaih had not trained his son to rebel.
We must guard our own hearts. We must train our children to have a close relationship with God and teach them to guard their hearts no matter what is going on around them. If we in still the love of God in them daily by our actions our words. Manasseh rebelled but repented. Somewhere he had been taught along the way how to reach out to God. How to repent and say God I do need You. Don’t allow the mistakes we make in life to push us away from a loving God but use them to draw drawer closer to God. Use everyday issues to teach your children how to live for God and how to say I am sorry to one another and I am sorry God. Children no matter what age hear and see many things that will effect their walk with God. Thank God for Godly parents who lead by example.
King after king, the people are led to either worship God or some pagan idol. If you think about it, in a persons lifetime they probably lived through 2-3 of these kings. I’d honestly probably be kinda confused about which way is the right way to live, the right way to worship especially after having to build and tear down so many altars. But THANK GOD for a man of God who knows truth and isn’t afraid to preach it and continue leading God’s people in the ways of righteousness. There’s no confusion when you’re taught straight from the word, there’s no question of who’s really God – hallelujah, there’s no other name that I know. So although I thank God for His revelation, I have to attribute the teaching and coming to understanding to every pastor that has taught me truth.
When you know the truth but you decide to live your life, against God. It takes until you hit rock bottom, until you realize God is all you need. Sometimes it takes people to be absolutely broken to realize that.
“And when he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord he was God.”
2 Chronicles 33:12-13
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.
These verses tell us that God can and does receive those that diligently seek him. He knows our past deeds that were evil, yet he loves the soul and is not willing that any perish, rather that all come to repentance. People are coming to the Lord at POFW that will have come from all types of sin and they may even need to be delivered but we must be ready to love each person the Lord sends. They are valuable to him and to his kingdom. We must be ready to intercede, teach and lead. Then they too will know that the Lord Jesus is God.
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.
14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.
15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.
16 And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.
Oh my why do we have to be so hard headed? Why do we have to learn the hard way first? God help us to always folloe your ways so we wont have to learn our lesson the hard way like rhis young kid did.
7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:
Manasseh blatantly built and idol and set it up in the house of the Lord. What disrespect that was to God. However, we sometimes throw our idols in the face of God as well. We allow things to distract us when we come into the house of the Lord, and to God this is an idol. We are not worshipping Him with all our heart, mind and soul. Or we are too busy with things of our carnal life to do things for the Kingdom, we have placed things that are going to be destroyed with this world, in front of eternal things that are going to live forever.
Reminds me of old song
“Only one life so soon it will pass, only what’s done for Christ for last. Only one chance to do His will, so live for Jesus all your days, it’s the only life that pays, when you recall you have but one life.”
Only what’s done for the kingdom is going to live throughout all eternity. It awesome to advance in life, but at the cost of losing your purpose in the kingdom, it’s not worth it. You’ve gained the whole world and lost your soul.
In this scripture, you can clearly see the effects of a rebellious backslider. But, you can see God’s mercy & grace as well. When we humble ourselves and repent and turn from our wicked ways. It’s never too later to come back and change! But, there is a ripple effect for those in your own house! So, follow Jesus because just like the negative effect there is a positive effect as well.
“So walk the positive walk…..walk with Jesus”
P.S. You can run too………..
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.
If we choose not listen to God, sometimes He just has let us reach the lowest of lows so that we will turn back to him!
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,
2 Chronicles 33: 10 The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people but they paid no attention. So the Lord brought him against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria who took Manasseh prisoner put a hook in his nose found him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. In his distressed he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humble himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to him the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listen to his plea so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.
3 For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.
We must be very very careful not rebuild the high places that Pastor has lead us to victory over.
10 And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken
The Lord always gives us a warning when our lives are going the wrong way. He gives us time for repentance before humbling you the hard way.
2 Chronicles 33:12-13 & 14-16
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.
14) Now after this he built a wall without the city of David…
15) And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD…
16) And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacirficed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings…
True Repentance isn’t just talking to God and asking Him to forgive you, but True Repentance is a change of direction in your life.
15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.
16 And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.
17 Nevertheless the people did sacrifice still in the high places, yet unto the Lord their God only.
He went through a process, to CLEAN HOUSE AND REPAIRED ALTARS. Although it was uncalled for ( he knew better ), GOD had mercy on him!!! Prodigal? Praying for the prodigals to come back home!!!
2 Chronicles 33:12-13 (KJV Strong’s)
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.
Jeremiah 15:4 (KJV Strong’s)
4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
Although Manasseh repented he still suffered consequences for his actions. The whole nation suffered even though he got right with God.
We know that God will forgive us if we repent. However we should never use this as a means to sin. His forgiveness isn’t a permission to do what is wrong because we will be absolved later.
Manasseh paid dearly a regretted his choices.
“But he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as did Manasseh his father: for Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which Manasseh his father had made, and served them”. The word of God (Jesus) records, as his father. Parents are not the only examples a child will see; therefore one should always be mindful of one’s own actions, and quick to repent. Dear God, let us see self as you do and help us change whatever is not right in your sight. God Bless America, Israel, Jerusalem, and you all in Jesus name, Amen!
“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 had to have his own personal experience, which he did and he overcame with the help of the Lord. Likewise we will each have to have a personal experience, before we truly know the Lord; however we should pray for each other that no one has too experience what Manasseh did. God help us that we may clearly see you and know you, in Jesus name.
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.
It is a sign of a nation truly fallen from God that their ruler would need to be humbled in order to know that the Lord is God and God alone. To know God but turn away from Him is one thing, but to not know Him to be anything different than any idol and to have a heart so hardened that the voice of God couldn’t be recognized… that is truly a sad state to be in.
Amon learned a valuable lesson. The people give the king power. The only authority people have is the authority people allow them to have. The government is in authority because the people allow it. Leadership may have delegated authority but it is powerless unless the people they lead attribute recognition to that authority. We would be wise to remember that the people we lead are the same ones that allow us to lead. Amon learned this the hard way in his assassination.
Power is very easily abused. As leaders we shouldn’t try to take advantage or control those around us because of titles we may hold. The best leader is humble, first to God and then to man.
Hezekiahs son Manasseh fills most of his 55-year reign with evil activity- rebuilding the pagan shrines his father had destroyed, worshiping the stars, practicing witchcraft, consulting with psychics, sacrificing his own sons and leading the Israelites to forsake God and behave like the pagan nations around them. This isn’t the only place where the Bible speaks of Manassehs evil deeds (2Ki 21:1-18). However here Manassehs sinful choices are clearly highlighted depicting him as the cause for Jerusalem to fall (2Ki 10-15) and does not mention the description of Manasseh’s prison time in Babylon, his repentance and restoration of his kingdom (vs 10-13). Disobedience and sin will always bring punishment, but repentance and trust in God renders blessing, restoration and peace.
But did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord , like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.(2 Chronicles 33:2 KJV)
Manasseh the king of Judah did many evil things. He behaved as the surrounding nations. They sought false gods and instead of obeying and following the Almighty God he fell into sin. Not long after so did the nation of Judah. It’s dangerous to fall into sin and cause others to follow especially when they are also children of God. Influence is powerful. We are called to lead other to the cross in repentance not away from it.
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.
14 Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.
15 And he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.
16 And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel.
True repentance is always followed by actions to rectify the wrong and true forgiveness allows the rectification!!!!!!
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.
I want to learn for myself
A elder in my life told me, wanting learn for myself is like me telling you that standing in front of a moving car is going to hurt, because I was hit by a car you and you saying, I want to learn for myself.
Some of the dumbest things happen to us that happen to our parents. Most of us have heard, I told you so and you should have listen to me more than once.
You are born with a tendency to rebel against authority. The proof is in our children, we do not have to teach them to do wrong, most of time we spend our time teaching them to do right. They somehow already know how to do the wrong.
Most all of greatest pains and stuggles in our lives could have been avoided if we had just listened to counsel.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 14
2 Chronicles 33
1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem:
2 But did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.
God is merciful to those who repent and turn to him.
Verses 9-13 MSG “But Manasseh led Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem off the beaten path into practices of evil exceeding even the evil of the pagan nations that God had earlier destroyed. When God spoke to Manasseh and his people about this, they ignored him. Then God directed the leaders of the troops of the king of Assyria to come after Manasseh. They put a hook in his nose, shackles on his feet, and took him off to Babylon. Now that he was in trouble, he went to his knees in prayer asking for help—total repentance before the God of his ancestors. As he prayed, God was touched; God listened and brought him back to Jerusalem as king. That convinced Manasseh that God was in control.” In this chapter we see how important it is to make sure we are leading in the right direction. Manasseh lead Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem into practices of evil. It is also very important that you stay connected and are able to hear the voice of God and discern that it is God speaking to you. This chapter also shows us true repentance and how you can change things around if you choose to. My God is in control of ALL things and Manasseh finally came to that realization.
12.But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors.
13.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! NLT
Manasseh finally realized that God meant what He said way back in Exodus 20:1-3: And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
When we forget that He is the one who brought us out of bondage, we usually end up back in bondage.
Some will fall and lose sight of the blessings and protection of God for their own lusts and desires. The faithful cannot allow those who become distracted to deter us from our goal and personal relationship with God. We must stand strong and continue marching forward for God. The Message version states Manasseh was “Much evil—in God’s view a career in evil”. However, when he finally reach bottom, God was there. Manasseh seen the true God and changed his life. God blessed his efforts Jerusalem was not only rebuilt but strengthened.
As Manasseh experienced, sometimes we need a come to Jesus moment. If we believe that God doesn’t care or he is not watching then we are highly mistaken. Because of his love he gave his only begotten son. Man needed another chance at eternal life and God provided just that.
“So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel. And the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.”
2 Chronicles 33:9-10
Even when we are going against God, he will speak to us and try to call us back to him. If we choose not to listen THEN God has to take another approach to get our attention. His way eventually is what happens. It is our choice if we getting their quickly on a steady path, or if we have to take the long hard way around because of our actions and attitudes.
“He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had broken down. He constructed altars for the images of Baal and set up Asherah poles. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them.”
2 Chronicles 33:3 NLT
He rebuilt… what are we building? Are we building self or sin? If we are Kingdom Minded we are building His Kingdom, my faith and my brothers and sisters. I choose to be Kingdom Minded.
“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.”
Jude 1:20-21 NLT
12But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13And 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!
Even after so many years of sin, and worshiping idols. If you repent, God will honor your sincere request of repentance, and forgives you.