This chapter details the reign of Manasseh, Hezekiah’s son.
“And [Manasseh] did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the despicable practices of the [Canaanites]. For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done… And he built altars in the house of the Lord… And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.” (v26 abr)
This is a pretty grim beginning to Manasseh’s reign. He commits great abominations and leads Judah in those evil ways. God promises disaster for Judah because of their great sin, which was apparently even worse than the original Canaanite nations (eg. the Amorites).
If we think for a few minutes, I’m pretty sure we can all identify someone we know or heard of that has committed / is committing many atrocities in the eyes of God. Chances are good we can think of someone still living. Perhaps you or someone you know has/had a tyrant for a boss, or there’s an authority figure who abuses/abused their power.
I’m attempting to transform my mind (with God’s help) so that when such people come to my mind, I automatically begin praying for them and those they influence. It’s not easy for me, but I find if I pray for these people (my ‘enemies’) I begin to see them for who they are: broken people who are blind to their own sin, and in desperate need of Jesus. When I see people through that kind of lens, I can empathize with them, because I too am a broken person in desperate need of Jesus.
I encourage us to try replacing judgement and condemnation with compassionate prayer and understanding. I know it’s hard, but I think it’s incredibly valuable and worthwhile. Just as we were underserving of God’s mercy and grace, so too are the people we pray for – yet, God loves them just as much as He loves us. Let’s pray for our spiritual enemies and those who commit great abominations, for God may change their hearts and make them our coheir in Christ.
Father God, our Merciful and Gracious Lord, You are loving and compassionate beyond measure. You have granted us much forgiveness, and we ask You would extend that same forgiveness to others. When we think of those who commit treacherous acts, may we have hearts of love and understanding toward them. We pray for their hearts to be softened, that they may turn from their wicked ways. Father please forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. We commit them to the care and ministry of Your Spirit, in the name of Jesus our King, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training