Manasseh’s evil went to such an extent that it is said he and his people became even worse than the nations around them. This is the lowest spiritual point for Judah. Never had there been a king who did more evil than Manasseh. In response to Manasseh’s evil God sent in the Assyrians who took Manasseh prisoner. The Assyrians were a merciless people and used terrible kinds of torture on their victims to instil fear on the nations. Manasseh would have suffered unimaginable torments in his captivity, and it is here, in his desperation, that he turns to God. Manasseh no doubt had a seed of faith planted in him in his early years by his father Hezekiah. No matter how far the child of a believer strays, the seeds of truth planted in their lives will remain as a witness within them always calling them back. It was at this time that the seed planted in Manasseh’s life sprang up. But what can be expected for such a man as this? How heartfelt could this cry be? Was it not his torments that drove him to this? Indeed it was, but it led to what, for me, is one of the most remarkable verses in the Bible: “And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea.” It amazes me that God was so moved by the plea of this wicked man. How merciful is our God! Whenever I doubt that God will receive me, I think of Manasseh, and I say to myself, if Manasseh can find mercy with God then so can I.
Reflect on the great mercy of God.
Read 2 Chronicles 33
