the Third Week after Easter
Click here to learn more!
Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
2 Chronicles 33:1-13
The reign of Manasseh breaks two records: it is the longest (fifty-five years) and the most wicked. Why did it last so long, especially when the evil was so unbearable in the LORD’s sight? We know the reason and marvel: it was the patience of grace. Let us not forget that grace characterises these two books of Chronicles throughout. The example of Manasseh teaches us that God can change the heart of any sinner, no matter how bad. And this story is one of the most fitting in all Scripture to encourage us to intercede for others. May we never think that a person is too deeply mixed up in sin to be saved and may we continue to pray for them.
We also have the potted prophetic history of Israel in this ungodly reign of Manasseh. The name of this king means "forgot" and reminds us of the LORD’s declaration: "My people have forgotten me days without number" (Jeremiah 2:32). Israel’s current exile under the yoke of the nations was due to this neglect; however, as with Manasseh, it will also be the means eventually of stirring their conscience and their heart.
