the Rev. Henry Huenemann
And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, (2 Chronicles 33:12).
Bible Reading
2 Chronicles 33:1-13:Devotional
God is good. "He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." But the goodness of God should lead us to repentance. "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long suffering not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?" But God can also use affliction to bring people to repentance. Thus it was with king Manasseh. He was a wicked king and did much evil in the sight of the Lord. The Lord spoke to him and to his people, but they would not hear. Wherefore the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria. They bound him with chains, and carried him to Babylon. There in captivity he had time to think upon the error of his ways. If he only had followed the example of Hezekiah his father, who was a God-fearing king, he would not have had to go into captivity; but who can help him now? — "In his affliction he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers," and prayed unto him. And God heard his prayers, and brought him back to Jerusalem, into his kingdom. So great is the mercy of God. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord He was God. What a blessed result affliction had in the life of Manasseh. So it is with every one that humbles himself and puts his trust in God. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
Prayer
Our Father, look down upon us in mercy. Grant us grace that we may not walk in our ways and do our own will; but may we give heed unto Thy Word; may we walk before Thee in uprightness and true humility,and put our trust in Thee, and thus may our end be peace. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Matt. 4:45; Rom. 2:4; 2 Chron. 33:2; 10:12, 13; 1 Pet. 5:6.
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