GOD’S FORGIVENESS
2 CHRON. 33: 10-16 If my people, who 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 Chron. 7:14 (NIV)
Last month, news broke all over social media about a big-time megachurch pastor's decision to resign from his position and stop hosting his Sunday morning service because of "a sin" he had committed sometime in the past. He had not revealed what this "sin" was, how long ago he had committed it, or what he intended to do about it beyond stepping down.
As I think about this story, I am reminded of King Manasseh's story in the 33rd chapter of 2nd Chronicles, a book that, far from being a dry record of historical facts written by the priest Ezra, looks at God's dealings, looks at God's dealings with his people, a nation caught in sin and in decline. 2nd Chronicles helps us understand a bit of the scope of human events: even when life unravels, God still has a purpose for us, his people.
The scripture passage listed above about King Manasseh brings us face-to-face with God's infinite compassion and forgiveness. Manasseh, son of King Hezekiah, was 12 years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for 55 years.
If a list of corrupt kings were to be drawn, Manasseh would rank near the top. His life is a catalog of evil deeds. Not only did he intentionally offend God by desecrating Solomon's temple with idols, but he also worshipped pagan gods and even sacrificed his own children to them.
God showed justice to Manasseh by warning and punishing him. But God also showed mercy in responding to his heartfelt repentance by forgiving and restoring him (vs. 12-13). Given the nature of Manasseh's rebellion, we are not surprised by God's punishment – defeat and exile at the hands of the Assyrians.
But Manasseh's repentance and God's forgiveness may have been unexpected by many of us. Manasseh's life was changed. He was given a new start. The question is, how far has God gone to get your attention? Have you ever, like Manasseh, come to your senses and cried to God for help?
Only your sincere confession and prayer of repentance stand between you and God's complete forgiveness. If God can forgive Manasseh, surely, he can forgive anyone, even you and me. Even the famous pastor with whom I started this meditation, and whose name I shall not mention.
Are you burdened by overpowering guilt? Do you doubt that God would forgive what you have done, regardless how bad it might have been? Take heart. Until we close our eyes in death, no one, even you, even me; no one is beyond God's forgiveness. Thanks be to God.
Let us Pray.
Compassionate God, we thank you for your mercy and your grace. Help us O God to truly believe that just like the thief on the cross, only our sincere confession and repentance stand in the way of our complete forgiveness. Teach us O God to never give in to our fears, but to trust in your kindness, your faithfulness, and your love. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
By Rev. Franck Aguilh
Last month, news broke all over social media about a big-time megachurch pastor's decision to resign from his position and stop hosting his Sunday morning service because of "a sin" he had committed sometime in the past. He had not revealed what this "sin" was, how long ago he had committed it, or what he intended to do about it beyond stepping down.
As I think about this story, I am reminded of King Manasseh's story in the 33rd chapter of 2nd Chronicles, a book that, far from being a dry record of historical facts written by the priest Ezra, looks at God's dealings, looks at God's dealings with his people, a nation caught in sin and in decline. 2nd Chronicles helps us understand a bit of the scope of human events: even when life unravels, God still has a purpose for us, his people.
The scripture passage listed above about King Manasseh brings us face-to-face with God's infinite compassion and forgiveness. Manasseh, son of King Hezekiah, was 12 years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem for 55 years.
If a list of corrupt kings were to be drawn, Manasseh would rank near the top. His life is a catalog of evil deeds. Not only did he intentionally offend God by desecrating Solomon's temple with idols, but he also worshipped pagan gods and even sacrificed his own children to them.
God showed justice to Manasseh by warning and punishing him. But God also showed mercy in responding to his heartfelt repentance by forgiving and restoring him (vs. 12-13). Given the nature of Manasseh's rebellion, we are not surprised by God's punishment – defeat and exile at the hands of the Assyrians.
But Manasseh's repentance and God's forgiveness may have been unexpected by many of us. Manasseh's life was changed. He was given a new start. The question is, how far has God gone to get your attention? Have you ever, like Manasseh, come to your senses and cried to God for help?
Only your sincere confession and prayer of repentance stand between you and God's complete forgiveness. If God can forgive Manasseh, surely, he can forgive anyone, even you and me. Even the famous pastor with whom I started this meditation, and whose name I shall not mention.
Are you burdened by overpowering guilt? Do you doubt that God would forgive what you have done, regardless how bad it might have been? Take heart. Until we close our eyes in death, no one, even you, even me; no one is beyond God's forgiveness. Thanks be to God.
Let us Pray.
Compassionate God, we thank you for your mercy and your grace. Help us O God to truly believe that just like the thief on the cross, only our sincere confession and repentance stand in the way of our complete forgiveness. Teach us O God to never give in to our fears, but to trust in your kindness, your faithfulness, and your love. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
By Rev. Franck Aguilh
Posted in Mid-Week Devotional
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