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Some intriguing aspects of today’s reading…the nation of Judah spiritually declined with the reign of Manasseh, whose name means “causing to forget”. What an understatement! Not only about Manasseh, but the people of Judah as well. They had already stepped on that slippery slope anyway when they were unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction and asked for “no more visions of what is right”. 

The prophet spoke to them.  "But the people didn't listen."  What a sad, sad verse to read.  So true then, but also so true today.  

It doesn't seem to take much to turn AWAY from the Lord - but much effort and energy to turn TO the Lord.

 

Manasseh rebuilt the high places, erected altars to Baal, made an Asherah pole (this by the way was a symbol of sexual promiscuity as an act of worship), worshiped the starry host, desecrated the temple with altars to the gods, and even sacrificed his own son in the fire. He also was responsible for the shedding of “much innocent blood”; most likely other people followed his practice of human sacrifice. This is a model example of how one person can change a nation. Satan is clever and time efficient with his resources. Instead of sending thousands of evil angels to influence thousands of people, he can send one evil angel to influence one strong leader who, in turn, will influence thousands of people. 

 

Another aspect for today… If Hezekiah hadn’t been given the extra 15 years to live, Manasseh would not have been born. 

We can learn many lessons from today’s reading. God is very patient but as He warned the people of Judah, He warns us today. He will stretch out the “measuring line” and the “plumb line”. Sometimes we can test His tolerance to the breaking point. And then, as spoiled children, we suffer the effects of disobedience. Why would we want to do that? It’s so much easier to obey and listen to His instruction. He is, after all, the perfect parent and He has the perfect plan! Who could argue with that???