Today, our reading encompasses the lives of two kings: Hezekiah, whom we have seen already, and his son Manasseh. Both have a turning point in their lives where God intervenes with mercy.
A Good King Who Forgot God’s Mercy
When Hezekiah came to Judah’s throne, he was tender toward God. He sought to undo all the wickedness of the previous king. And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God…he did it with all his heart, and prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:20–21, KJV) Today, we see Isaiah come and instruct him to get his house in order; he will die. But Hezekiah earnestly prays to God, and God adds fifteen years to his life in an amazing act of mercy (2 Kings 20:1–6)! Yet, the Bible says that Hezekiah was lifted up with pride and selfishness these last fifteen years, forgetting the Source of his blessings (2 Kings 20:16–19).
A Wicked King Who Remembered God’s Mercy
Manasseh is a different story. He undoes all of what Hezekiah did to restore righteousness in the land. He was wicked, even sacrificing his son in the fire. He built pagan altars in the Temple of the Lord…He built these altars for all the powers of the heavens in both courtyards of the Lord’s Temple. Manasseh also sacrificed his own son in the fire. He practiced sorcery and divination, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil… (2 Kings 21:4–6, NLT). As a result, God allows him to be taken prisoner. Still, he earnestly prays and repents, and God restores Manasseh to the throne in another amazing act of mercy (2 Chronicles 33:12–13)! Manasseh then spends the rest of his life undoing all his wickedness. He never forgot the act of mercy he received from God.
We Choose The Ending of Our Stories
One king started out well but ended badly. The other king started badly but ended well. Both experienced the same mercy. God is merciful, writing redemption into our stories, yet we choose the ending of these stories. May we remember the Lord’s benefits shown to us daily. May we remain humble in the light of much mercy. May we never take for granted the goodness of God in our lives! May we never forget it is not too late to repent!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 2 Kings 20-21; 2 Chronicles 32-33.