“In his distress he sought the favour 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 Mannasseh knew that the Lord is God.” 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 NIV
Prior to reading these verses, we read that Mannasseh did more evil than any other king that previously ruled in Judah. He rebuilt altars and erected high places to worship other gods, sacrificed children, practiced witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums.
Despite his evil ways when Mannasseh humbled himself and earnestly sought the Lord, the Lord heared his prayer and was faithful in bringing Mannasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom.
But that’s not where it ends. Upon returning to his kingdom, Mannasseh then removed the altars and images previously used for worshipping foreign gods and restored the altar of the Lord. He followed up his words with action – action for the Lord and for His glory.
May we remember that it is not enough to simply declare our appreciation of the Lord after He hears and responds to our plea. We require a changed heart; when we have a changed heart, we will also have the desire to act upon our words of appreciation and respond by making a change in our lives too.
Lock Your Wings 