Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 33 & 34
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.Manasseh, twelve years old, became the king in Jerusalem. He became the latest who turn away from God and lead the nation to reject God. Here we see another one who followed the pull of evil and walked away from God. Manasseh did many evil things and provoked the Lord to anger. God spoke to Manasseh and the people, but the refused to listen. So, God brought judgement on the nation. This judgement caused Manasseh to humble himself before the Lord. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. He turned to serving God and took away the altars and idols of foreign gods. The good news is that he learned his lesson. The sad news is that he needed to learn it in the first place.
After Manasseh, another child king took over. Josiah was only eight when he began to reign. He was godly and did what God commanded. He got rid of the remaining idols and places of heathen worship. He restored the temple. He guided the nation to obey God’s Word.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Look at 34:32. “And he made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin take a stand. So the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.” (NKJV) Josiah was not afraid to tell the nation that they needed to follow God. Take a stand for what is right. This is so refreshing. It is also an important illustration of what needs to be done. Take a stand for God. Take a stand for righteousness. Reject the sinful ways that are so popular with “everyone”. Listen to God’s Word and obey.
3. How can I help someone?
There are millions of people who think that nothing matters except for what they want. So, they mock God’s commands and anyone who lives by them. They think nothing can touch them. That’s what Manasseh thought. Learn from people like him and follow God. God will never change.
