The Power of Repentance

[Christ4Ever]

Manasseh led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD destroyed before the people of Israel. The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Therefore the LORD brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh with hooks and bound him with chains of bronze and brought him to Babylon. And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God. 2 Chronicles 33:9-13 ESV

Manasseh took his grandfather Ahaz’s wickedness to a whole new level. He consulted mediums, practiced sorcery, and set up altars in the temple itself to pagan deities—even sacrificing his own sons to false gods!

But Manasseh did what many people never do. He repented. Unlike Ahaz, his heart was softened in his distress and he “humbled himself greatly.” And God “was moved by his entreaty.” What a testimony to God’s amazing mercy and ready grace. He delights in forgiveness! What great news it is for us today still, that “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13)!

Prayer: Merciful Father, thank You for doing whatever it takes to bring me back into fellowship!