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“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. He did what was evil in the LORD's sight, imitating the detestable practices of the pagan nations whom the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. ...Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations whom the LORD had destroyed when the Israelites entered the land.” 2 Chronicles 33:1-2, 9
I love the Old Testament. So many people have trouble reading the Old Testament because the accounts and stories there seem harsh and brutal. You have perhaps thought it, or heard someone say something like this: “I like the loving God of the New Testament, not the wrathful God of the Old.”
When we allow God to be God, however, we can see that the New Testament teaches us that our God “is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). When we allow God to be just, wise and holy as well as loving, it is not hard to see his love, grace, forgiveness and mercy in every story of the Old Testament as well as in the New.
I came across the story of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33 in my reading program a few weeks ago. If ever there is a picture of humankind at its worst, it is Manasseh’s life. Think of the worst evil you know in the world today, and King Manasseh practiced it back then. It is helpful to read his story in The Message Bible, because these “detestable practices” are described for us.
The “moral rot” and “spiritual corruption” of the “sex gods” Baal and Asherah meant temple prostitution in God’s temple. Manasseh “worshiped the cosmic powers, taking orders from the constellations” (like horoscopes and astrologers of today). He burned his own sons in pagan sacrificial rites in the Valley of Ben Hinnom. He practiced witchcraft and fortunetelling. He held séances and consulted spirits from the underworld… and “he led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations whom the LORD had destroyed when the Israelites entered the land.”
So yes, our just and holy God was angry with Manasseh and his people. And yes, God brought Manasseh and the Jews under judgment. Manasseh was captured by armies of the King of Assyria and carted off to Babylon in shackles and chains. Before you write off this “angry Old Testament God” and head back to the New Testament where it seems safe and lovely, be sure you hear the whole story, friends.
God tried to speak to Manasseh and his people about their evil deeds, but they ignored him. (Verse 10). He was willing to give them a chance to turn their lives around, but they wouldn’t listen. For their own good, not just because of God’s standard of holiness, God sent an army to discipline them. Then in the midst of punishment and judgment, the miracle of God’s amazing grace happens. It is so amazing it just stops me in my tracks.
Manasseh heart changes. The story goes like this: “Now that he was in trouble, Manasseh 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.” (Verses 12-13)
The kindness and grace of God leads us to repentance and restoration… It is an old, old story, friends. Grace is an integral part of the character of our one and only God at work back in ancient times just as it is at work now that the Lord Jesus Christ has won salvation for us at the Cross.
What does Manasseh’s gift of God’s grace teach us today? It means that as always, no matter how lost in sin we are, are not so far gone that God cannot rescue, heal and redeem. Jesus Christ can save to “the uttermost”. It is an amazing lifeline of hope that our loving Heavenly Father throws out to the worst of sinners, and to the most depraved societies or countries of our world. None of us are beyond hope of God’s redeeming love and power.
This is what Manasseh taught me, friends, and maybe you can see it too: never, never, never give up on a loved one, friend or neighbor who is lost in sin. God loves them, and can save them. If Manasseh was not beyond God’s reach, is there anyone who is?
Also, I have to say that God brought to mind my country, the United States of America. Those of you in other countries may be thinking of where you live as you read this as well. No matter how far a people or country has strayed from God’s truth and holiness, he can still redeem. He can send a revival.
I am going to believe that for my country, and I encourage you to believe that for your own country. We can cover the world with our prayers asking for God’s amazing grace to pour out to us. Ask him to bring about what we all need – humble repentance, changed hearts, and God’s salvation in Jesus Christ that can make black hearts clean.
Dear Friends,
There have been many troubled times throughout human history - times that seemed hopeless, fraught with danger and peril on every side. God has always been there, trying to speak to his people to offer help and rescue, if only we would listen. Too often we have ignored God just like those in Manasseh’s time.
Our world today has that feeling of danger. But as we pray, Christian friends, God is more than willing to rescue us. But we need to pray.
I hope you will be blessed and encouraged as you meditate on this week’s Fresh Bread scriptures. They reveal the loving heart of God and his willingness to save any and all who call on him. I hope they will motivate you and me to get serious about our prayers for revival.
Just a note about the tales of the Kings and the Jews in the years before their exile into Babylon: Isaiah is one of the prophets who were speaking to the Jews, Manasseh other kings of that time. His book is full of hope, grace, mercy and truth. The book reveals a beautiful and true picture of the loving and merciful God of the Old Testament. I recommend it to you…
I am posting the words to Chris Tomlin’s beautiful song “Kindness” this week. Follow the youtube link to see the video with words and beautiful satellite pictures of our earth. I love it the video - except that whoever put it together can’t spell “desire”! Where is spell-check when you need it…?
This is a good time to remind all of you of the R&BT Prayer Summit that is set for September 24-25 here at my home. I am praying that many of you can attend, and that we can grow together, and pray together. You can find the details for the retreat on my blog http://joantyvoll.xanga.com/
Willing to Pray for God’s Grace,
Joan Tyvoll
Norwegian Ridge Retreat
“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. He did what was evil in the LORD's sight, imitating the detestable practices of the pagan nations whom the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. ...Manasseh led the people of Judah and Jerusalem to do even more evil than the pagan nations whom the LORD had destroyed when the Israelites entered the land.” 2 Chronicles 33:1-2, 9
I love the Old Testament. So many people have trouble reading the Old Testament because the accounts and stories there seem harsh and brutal. You have perhaps thought it, or heard someone say something like this: “I like the loving God of the New Testament, not the wrathful God of the Old.”
When we allow God to be God, however, we can see that the New Testament teaches us that our God “is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). When we allow God to be just, wise and holy as well as loving, it is not hard to see his love, grace, forgiveness and mercy in every story of the Old Testament as well as in the New.
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