2 Chronicles 33
Scripture:
9 But Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites.
10 The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.
11 So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.
12 In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.
13 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:
Yesterday we read that Hezekiah let pride get to him. Fortunately, he noticed it quickly and repented which saved the people of Jerusalem from the Lord’s wrath (33:26). Today we see that Manasseh, Hezekiah’s son and the new king of Judah, did not glean this trait from his father. Manasseh did evil in the sight of the Lord. The Lord spoke to Manasseh, unfortunately, he did not pay attention. Since Manasseh rejected the Lord, he was eventually taken prisoner by the Assyrians. It was during this experience when he realized his mistakes.
Many people believe that Manasseh was the most evil king in the history of Judah. That perspective reveals the measure of God’s forgiveness and grace in this story. When Manasseh humbled himself and prayed, God rescued him. No matter how horrible you feel your sin is, God’s grace can overcome it. When you sincerely humble yourself and pray, God will rescue you.
Application:
- Personal Application: Keep people trustworthy people around you and give them permission to speak into your life. When we are unable to notice the mistakes we are making, it is good to have someone there that can speak into our life in truth and love.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Help them understand that Judah was facing consequences due to turning their back on the Lord. Explain the importance of having people in your life that will help you identify the areas of your life that need improvement. These people should be trustworthy, love the Lord, love you, and have your best interests in mind. Make a commitment to help each other continue to serve the Lord by speaking the truth in Love. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for good friends who will encourage you in the areas of your life that need growth.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will always be sensitive to hear the voice of the Lord and those around them as they travel this discipleship journey.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, September 27 – Sunday, October 4:
- Sunday, September 27: 2 Chronicles 31
- Monday, September 28: 2 Chronicles 32
- Tuesday, September 29: 2 Chronicles 33
- Wednesday, September 30: 2 Chronicles 34
- Thursday, October 1: 2 Chronicles 35
- Friday, October 2: 2 Chronicles 36
- Saturday, October 3: Psalms 60-61
- Sunday, October 4: Psalms 62-63
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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