Even though Hezekiah's reign was deemed successful, his son, Manasseh made a real hash of the succession plan. Manasseh did evil in the eyes of the Lord and undid much of what his father had put in place. He even spilt much innocent blood (2 Kings 21) and rebuilt altars to Baal.
I keep thinking to myself, how is possible that he was an ancestor of Jesus?! But his name is recorded in Matthew's Genealogy, and we can't erase that. However, it would be remiss of me to only tell half of his story. Manasseh does eventually come to his senses. He has his own moment of conversion, and he turns back to God.
"But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So, the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God! - 2 Chronicles 33:12-13
The story of Manasseh is a vital reminder that God can change the hearts of anyone willing to admit their need of God. The story of Christ's birth grabs our attention, teaching us again that Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Thought: Never give up praying for those friends and family who seem far away from the Lord. This is the season of miracles!
Living in Grace
D3LM3
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