Manasseh: The Chronicles of Judah
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Day 1 | 2 Chronicles 34-35
Day 2 | 2 Kings 22-23
Day 3 | Zephaniah 1-3
Day 4 | Jeremiah 1-3
Day 5 | Jeremiah 4-6
Day 6 | Jeremiah 7-9
As you read:
What do I learn about God in these passages?
What surprises me most? Why?
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Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs and desires of those around me as they seek to be successful and seen. May I be a great witness.
Imagine being 12 years old today. Maybe you're mastering the latest video game, binge-watching your favorite series, or trying to keep up with school and friends. Now, let's flip the scene back in time—imagine being 12 years old in ancient Judah. Your father is the king, and you've just witnessed three miraculous events: his sudden recovery from a near-deadly illness, a miraculous defeat of an invading army, and even the sun’s shadow moving backward as a sign. But then, your father says, “Son, it's time for you to rule alongside me.”
This was the reality for Manasseh, who became co-ruler with his father, King Hezekiah, at just 12 years old. For 13 years, they ruled together. But while Hezekiah’s earlier years were marked by faith and miracles, his final years were clouded by pride and idolatry. And these were the years that shaped Manasseh, Judah's longest-reigning king, who ruled for 55 years.
Manasseh's Dark Path
Manasseh started young, but instead of following in the godly footsteps of his earlier years, he strayed into deep darkness. He did things that were even worse than his corrupt grandfather, Ahaz. Not only did he rebuild altars to pagan gods and engage in idol worship, but he also set up altars to foreign gods right inside the temple courts. He practiced witchcraft, consulted mediums, and even sacrificed his own children.
It’s easy to dismiss this kind of behavior as ancient history, but let’s bring it closer to home. Maybe you’re not sacrificing children or worshipping idols in temples, but have you ever found yourself dabbling in the spiritual realm—horoscopes, tarot cards, manifesting, or consulting psychics? These might seem like harmless fun, but they're rooted in something much darker. By turning to these practices, you’re inviting forces into your life that can lead you far away from God’s light.
Modern-Day Idolatry
Before we distance ourselves too much from Manasseh, let's recognize that idolatry isn’t just about worshipping statues or practicing witchcraft. It’s anything that takes God’s place in our lives. In today’s world, our idols can be much more subtle:
Fitness: It’s great to stay in shape, but when it becomes an obsession that rules your time and attention, it turns from a good habit into a demanding master.
Money: A necessary tool, yes, but it can quickly become the focus of our lives, driving every decision.
People-Pleasing: The desire to be liked can lead us to compromise our values.
Technology and Entertainment: Whether it’s the endless scroll on social media, binge-watching shows, or gaming, these can easily consume hours that could have been spent nurturing your soul.
Ask yourself these questions:
When your mind has time to drift, what does it naturally focus on?
How do you spend your time? Your calendar reveals your priorities.
Where is your money going? Is it supporting a balanced, God-centered life, or is it fueling an obsession?
A U-Turn to Redemption
Manasseh’s story takes a surprising turn. After years of leading Judah into darkness, God sent the Assyrian army to capture him. They put a hook in his nose, bound him in chains, and dragged him to Babylon. It was a humiliating experience, but it served a divine purpose. In his distress, Manasseh turned back to God. He humbled himself, prayed, and God heard him. The Lord brought him back to Jerusalem, where he led a complete turnaround, tearing down the idols and restoring true worship.
This story is a powerful reminder: No one is beyond God’s reach. Whether you’ve strayed into dark places or just lost sight of your priorities, God’s mercy extends to all who genuinely repent. The Bible is filled with examples of Jesus being moved by compassion, always ready to embrace those who turn back to him.
Turning Back in Your Own Life
What about you? Are there areas in your life that have become idols? Maybe it's not as obvious as Manasseh’s idolatry, but perhaps technology, relationships, or the pursuit of success has taken a higher place than God. Here’s the good news: God is always ready to welcome you back with open arms. But it requires a turning—a choice to put him first once again.
Take a moment to reflect. Are there things in your life you need to surrender? Maybe it's an addiction, an obsession, or just the distractions that keep you from prioritizing God.
When Manasseh turned back to God, he didn’t just pray. He took action. He got rid of the foreign gods, cleaned out the temple, and led his people back to true worship. What would that look like in your life? Maybe it's deleting certain apps, rearranging your schedule, or even changing the way you spend your money.
God’s call to each of us is to turn back, to remove anything that takes his rightful place. And when we do, he responds with grace, compassion, and restoration.
Are you ready to make a U-turn today?
Blog adapted from November 17, 2024, message by Minister Mark Ashton
