August 2, 2018: SOAP #3164:   2Kings 21; 2Chronicles 33; John 4

Scripture:  2Chronicles (NIV) 33:11 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:   What an amazing God!  What amazing forgiveness!  Earlier in this same chapter we read:  2 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.… 5 In both courts of the temple of the LORD, he built altars to all the starry hosts. 6 He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger….9 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.

Application:  Here in the Old Testament where we see such an emphasis on God’s holiness and judgment, we have one of the greatest examples of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness!  God was moved by Manasseh’s humility.  God heard his plea.   God forgave and restored this most wicked Old Testament king back to his throne in Jerusalem!   Amazing!

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, you are the same yesterday, today, and forever.  The mercy you showed to Manasseh is still available to us today.  Jesus, your Son, paid the price for all the sins of man, from Adam until He comes to take us into your presence. What amazing mercy you showed Manasseh!  What amazing mercy you have shown me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!