Read: 2
Kings 21
After the breath of righteousness provided by
Hezekiah, we now witness two evil kings. Manasseh, Hezekiah’s son, succeeds to
the throne at the age of twelve. He is certainly the most evil of Judah’s kings
thus far. The record of his sins includes building altars to false gods and
starry hosts, practicing sorcery, sacrificing his own son, shedding innocent blood,
and leading the people of Judah astray, “so that they did more evil than the
nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites” (v 9). Manasseh’s
wickedness brings judgment upon the entire land (v 10-15). Following Manasseh’s
death, his son Amon takes over the throne. Amon is evil, just as his father.
For a moment, good reigned in Judah. Hope was
restored that Judah would return to the Lord their God. However, proper caution
was not taken in preparing the next generation of rulers to serve under Yahweh.
In our own lives, we cannot grow complacent in our walks with God. Whenever we
stop standing guard against sin, sin re-enters our hearts.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. Ask God to show you any areas where you have
grown lazy in your fight against sin. Confess this and repent.
2. Ask God to show you a positive step He wants you
to take in your walk with Him. Commit to obedience in this area.
3. Pray for the churches in Uganda today. Pray that
the work of God they are experiencing would be permanent. Pray that this
generation of leaders would prepare the next generation to serve God
wholeheartedly.
