 (and maybe get it back)Scripture: “Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites…He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger…The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the Lord brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.” 2 Chronicles 33:1-3,6, 10,11 NIV “In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God.” 2 Chronicles 33:12,13 NIV “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NIV Application: Kingdoms inherit land and lose land when they behave wickedly. It’s not like God doesn’t give warnings. He does. But wicked people—even Israel—have lost and will lose their land for mocking God and not paying attention to His warnings. Israel, as Abraham’s people, is God’s chosen model nation, and the whole world’s channel of blessings and curses. Israel has strayed, as we all have. Accordingly, as Israel is punished, so shall we be, as were and are the evil doing nations surrounding Israel. But there’s good news. If we repent and come back to God, He is faithful and will forgive. No one is above God’s law. But by the same token, no one is below His grace. Prayer: We watch Your chosen nation of Israel, dear God, for instruction of Your Ways and how we should and should not behave. Guide us and the leaders of the world in the Ways that are right in Your eyes. Amen. Comments are closed.
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