Isaiah's LegacyEsimerkki

DAY THREE: Unchained Repentance

After years in a Babylonian prison, Manasseh’s proud heart finally shattered and his eyes were opened to the grievous sins he’d committed against Yahweh.

The Prodigal Returns

According to the above verses, what three things did Manasseh do to turn back to the Lord?

Rabbinic texts say Manasseh could recite Leviticus fifty-five ways; however, only after this prison conversion did he truly absorb with his heart what his mind had catalogued. In a humble prayer for favor, Manasseh finally accepted Yahweh as his God.

Do you know about God, or do you know Him? Knowing comes through experience and time. 

• In what ways have you experienced God as Shepherd, Healer, Provider, or Guide?
• In what other ways have you come to know God?

From Darkness to Light

When describing Manasseh’s life and reign, I unashamedly label it the greatest prodigal story in Scripture. No one’s life was darker, and only Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Son can explain the transformation that happened to Manasseh in that cell.

• What do you think Jesus meant by the phrase: “When he came to himself,” or “…came to his senses”?

Sometimes we allow “harmless” sins to continue in our lives. I call those pet sins, because we keep them on a leash—thinking we’re in control—until they bite us (i.e. a second piece of chocolate cake, only 5mph over the speed limit, or exaggerating to make stories more dramatic).

• What will it take to “come to yourself” and consider “little” sins as part of the reason Jesus hung on the cross?

From Manasseh to the Cross

Perhaps you’re on the other side of the camp and think your sins are too big or too many for God to forgive. Moses was a murderer; David an adulterer. Manasseh killed his children and led a whole nation to do unconscionable evil. 

And God forgave him. The same God sent His only Son to pay for the sins of the whole world. That includes the worst things you’ve ever done.

• Read 1 Timothy 1:15-16 aloud, accepting in faith God’s free gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Now, whether your sins are big or “little,” live in unchained repentance with the God who loves you.