II Chronicles

We read in II Chronicles again of kings and their kingdoms rising and falling. One king that especially stuck out to me was Manasseh, King of Judah. He started reigning when he was 12 years old. I think I could tie my shoes when I was 12, forget about leading a kingdom. He ended up reigning for 55 years.

Manasseh did evil in the site of the Lord. It says that he performed detestable practices. He erected altars to Ball. He worshiped the stars, He built altars inside the temple. He sacrificed his sons in the fire, he practiced withcraft, consulted mediums and spirits. Verse 6 says that he did much evil in the eyes of God, provoking him to anger. Manasseh lead the kingdom astray so that did horrible evil things. God spoke and he ignored him.

The Lord allowed Manasseh to be taken into captivity. In his distress, verse 12 tells us, he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. The Lord heard his prayer and was moved.

This reminds me that there is no evil that God cannot forgive. I am not out of the grasp, or the reach of the mercy and grace of our God. I can always return to his favor. I can regain his audience. I never leave his love, but I can return to his favor. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy in my life!