Second Chances

Nº 316

August 20, 2024

Repentance is the telltale mark of the grace of God at work in our lives. Saving faith and true repentance are always found together. Saved souls are repentant souls. - Kent Hughes

Manasseh was a bad person and a bad king. He led his nation into idolatry, sorcery, and even human sacrifice. The understated summary concludes, “he did much evil in the eyes of the Lord.” (2 Chronicles 33:6)

Despite his sacrilegious debauchery, God continued to reach out to Manasseh, but to no avail. “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.” (33:10) Eventually, the Assyrians invaded, destroying much of his kingdom. They “put a hook in his nose, bound him in bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon.” (33:11)

What Manasseh could not learn as a king he realized as a captive. “In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord.” (33:12) Despite his utterly wicked lifestyle, God graciously responded to his humbled heart. “The Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom.” (33:13)

Our God is the God of second chances – and third and fourth and on and on. Our evil is probably no match for Manasseh’s wickedness. We should humbly ask for forgiveness and allow God’s grace to bring us back into a right relationship with Him.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries