DAY 204 Read Isaiah 66; 2 Kings 21; 2 Chronicles 33.
Today's reading: We finish the book of Isiah and return to the sad history of Judah's decline.
Memory gem: "If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Thought for today:
Someone might say, "Pastor Richards, I have tried to overcome my evil habits and come back to the Lord, but I am just too great a sinner."
Do you recall the story of that young prince of Judah, Mannasseh? He was only twelve years old when he became king upon the death of his father KIng Hezekiah, who had been a wonderful example to the nation and had brought in a number of outstanding reforms.
But things quickly changed after Hezekiah's death, and his son Manasseh became one of the most wicked kings that ever ruled. He was a murderer, for he shed much innocent blood. He resisted every attempt on the part of good men to halt the spread of evil. He turned from the God of his fathers and went into idolatry and spirit worship.
Because of his evil life, he was captured by the king of Assyria and taken down to Babylon. Confined in a dungeon, with his hands and feet in chains, he had time to think things over. Finally he came to himself, as we read in 2 Chronicles 33:9-13.
Now, Manasseh had been a sinful man and certainly deserved death, but when he returned to the Lord in earnest, humble confession, the Lord heard him. God was ready to receive him.
I know that sometimes it is difficult for us, as human beings, to realize that God is interested in us. We have disappointed Him so often. We have rejected His invitation to come to Him. We have spurned His call. but if God could forgive that penitent King Manasseh, He certainly will forgive and accept you.
NOTE: Isaiah may have delivered the warning of 2 Kings 21:10-15, although no identification is possible. According to tradition, Isaiah was among the first victims of Manasseh's cruel persecutions, being placed in a hollow log and sawn in two. No other prophets are known for this period.
Today's reading: We finish the book of Isiah and return to the sad history of Judah's decline.
Memory gem: "If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Thought for today:
Someone might say, "Pastor Richards, I have tried to overcome my evil habits and come back to the Lord, but I am just too great a sinner."
Do you recall the story of that young prince of Judah, Mannasseh? He was only twelve years old when he became king upon the death of his father KIng Hezekiah, who had been a wonderful example to the nation and had brought in a number of outstanding reforms.
But things quickly changed after Hezekiah's death, and his son Manasseh became one of the most wicked kings that ever ruled. He was a murderer, for he shed much innocent blood. He resisted every attempt on the part of good men to halt the spread of evil. He turned from the God of his fathers and went into idolatry and spirit worship.
Because of his evil life, he was captured by the king of Assyria and taken down to Babylon. Confined in a dungeon, with his hands and feet in chains, he had time to think things over. Finally he came to himself, as we read in 2 Chronicles 33:9-13.
Now, Manasseh had been a sinful man and certainly deserved death, but when he returned to the Lord in earnest, humble confession, the Lord heard him. God was ready to receive him.
I know that sometimes it is difficult for us, as human beings, to realize that God is interested in us. We have disappointed Him so often. We have rejected His invitation to come to Him. We have spurned His call. but if God could forgive that penitent King Manasseh, He certainly will forgive and accept you.
NOTE: Isaiah may have delivered the warning of 2 Kings 21:10-15, although no identification is possible. According to tradition, Isaiah was among the first victims of Manasseh's cruel persecutions, being placed in a hollow log and sawn in two. No other prophets are known for this period.
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