2 Chronicles 33:1–2, 6, 12–13 NIV 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 sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger. 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.”
Most Bible scholars agree that Manasseh was Judah’s most evil king. He wasn’t just rebellious—he was ruthless.
He filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, even sacrificing his own children to pagan gods. Scripture says he did more evil than all the nations God destroyed before Israel ever entered the land.
Manasseh’s wickedness was so great that God declared Judah’s destruction irreversible. His sin guaranteed exile and loss under the Old Covenant. Yet the story doesn’t end with judgment—it ends with grace.
When Manasseh was captured and humiliated, he cried out to God in repentance. And the Lord—who had every right to reject him—listened. God heard his prayer, forgave him, and restored him to his throne.
That’s the gospel in miniature.
God’s mercy is greater than our rebellion.
His grace is deeper than our guilt.
No sin—not yours, not mine—is beyond the reach of the cross.
The blood of Jesus, God in flesh, satisfies justice and secures pardon for every man who repents and believes. God’s love is not weak—it is holy, costly, and powerful. His justice demands payment for sin; His love provides it through Jesus Christ.
Men, we are all like Manasseh before repentance—self-centered, proud, and guilty of murder, lust, or greed in our hearts. Yet like Manasseh, we can be forgiven. If we will humble ourselves, seek God’s favor, and turn from our sin, He will restore us fully.
There is only one God who does this—the Lord Jesus Christ, who came down to bear our punishment and bring us back to Himself.
Repent. Turn to God.
No matter what you’ve done or how far you’ve fallen, God’s mercy runs farther. Don’t waste another day hiding in guilt or shame. Come clean before the One who already paid for your pardon.
Run today’s play: Humble yourself like Manasseh and let God restore what sin destroyed.
