Reading
SAA Notes
Manasseh was the worst of kings and the best of kings. In his old age, the Assyrians captured him and imprisoned him for a while in Babylon. Manasseh is a prime example of the prodigal son. The lesson is: don’t stay in the dregs of life. Return to your Father in heaven!
SJA Notes
* God of light and righteousness, we ask that Your steadfast love and faithfulness are with us, bound around our neck, written on the tablet of our heart.
“Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.”
Here is a great big deep truth. One to wrestle with, to roll over, layer on layer, to think through, to ask God for help in understanding.
Manasseh did great evil. Manasseh committed terrible atrocities.
But Manasseh turned to the Lord.
Manasseh came to a knowledge that THE LORD WAS GOD.
Manasseh saw the truth of who God is.
And in doing so, because you cannot but know this, he saw the truth of himself – a sinner saved by grace!
Manasseh humbled himself before the Lord, the God he had for many years rejected and actively brought dishonour to.
How could God forgive such a person?
The good news of Jesus is the message that cuts through any human state or experience.
We see with Manasseh that even the most vile despot can turn to Jesus.
This should encourage us to pray for one another, for those around us, for those who are antagonistic and angry, those who fight against the church, for those who are actively doing evil.
We have a God who can overcome the greatest evil with HIS GREAT GOOD!
* Dear Lord,
Thank You for saving Manasseh. Please humble us as Manasseh was humbled.
Help us to know You, to know that You are the LORD, You are GOD.
There is none like You.
May we tell those around us of You and Your saving grace.
Amen.