And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel. 2 Chronicles 33:16 KJV
All over the world we hear about nations that are living in situations that are not becoming.
There are missionaries, who been changed by God’s grace.
Some stay in their place of birth, while others travel abroad.
All hoping and praying that whosever hears them will receive the Word and make a change in their lives.
In this passage, Manasseh is one who changed his community, first for evil and then for good.
He had been crowned king of Judah at the age of twelve.
He was on a path that was leading the people in the wrong direction, and they did great evil for many years (2 Chronicles 33:1-9)
They weren’t paying attention to all the warnings God was giving them regarding their actions.
Something we all need to do.
That is when God gave him a wake-up call by letting him be taken prisoner in Babylon (vv.10-11).
We often find ourselves feeling like we are bound by something.
In his distress, Manasseh realized his need to change his ways and humbly cried out to God.
Those are the times we need to sit back and pray about our situations and listen to what God is telling us.
Things work out better when we do.
God heard his pleas and restored him to his kingdom (vv. 12-13).
He hears our prayers.
He may not answer when we want Him too or how we want Him too, but He will answer and provide.
Being reformed, Manasseh rebuilt the city walls and got rid of the strange gods and idols (vv.14-15).
“He repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel (v.16).
We all need to let go of old ways and start fresh.
Giving the Lord thanks because He has made it all possible.
When the people saw how Manasseh was changed, they were changed and continued to make sacrifices in high places, but now it was “unto the Lord their God only” (v.17).
As missionaries for Christ, when people hear about the changes He has made in our lives, they will seek to learn how they can receive the same blessings.
No longer looking at things from a human aspect, but one of Spiritual Knowledge.
As we receive and continue to seek and spread God’s Word, may He make us into the vessels He needs to help change many lives.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, we know that You have a mission for all our lives. Whether it is here in the United States or other parts of the world. Change our lives that we may be used by You to help bring a change to someone else’s live too. We desire to be used of You Lord.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen