Day 121

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Judah's Captivity 

Scripture

April 30—2 Chronicles 33-36: Captivity by Babylon

Observation

Manasseh—Judah's longest reigning king—is also its wickedest. He seals the nation's fate by re-establishing Baal worship and turning the house of God into a pagan temple. By the time his grandson Josiah attempts to right the wrongs through godly reforms, it is too late to avert (though not to delay) Judah's fast-approaching doom. The end comes swiftly during the reign of Zedekiah, as Babylon mercilessly slaughters and pillages the nation, burns the temple, destroys the walls, and takes the survivors back to Babylon, where they languish for seventy years. But the book closes on a note of hope. As the exile draws to a close and Persia replaces Babylon in world dominance, Persia's king (Cyrus) makes an amazing statement "...the Lord God of heaven...has instructed me to build him a Temple in Jerusalem, in the land of Judah" (36:23).

Application

There is no life so shattered or so wicked that God can't make something beautiful out of it...if there is a change of heart.

Manasseh's life was spent defaming God and defiling his people—so much so that they did "even more evil than the nations the Lord destroyed when Israel entered the land" (33:9). Surely Manasseh was a hopeless candidate for personal revival.

Stripped of his kingdom at last, bound, shackled, and imprisoned in Babylon, Manasseh realized his evil ways, turned to God in humble submission, and prayed for mercy. Restored to his throne, he spent the rest of his life repairing the damage of his earlier years.

God is still looking for Manassehs today, who—regardless of their past—are willing to give the shattered remains of their life to God and say, "I need you." Is that your heart's desire? Then do it!

Prayer

Yes Lord, we need you everyday, every moment and every second of our life. We are so glad and blessed that you forgive our sins and remember them no more. Thank you, Jesus!

Reach for God!






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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