Isaiah's LegacyEsimerkki

DAY FOUR: Unchained Acceptance

Manasseh humbly prayed for Yahweh’s favor in a Babylonian prison, and Yahweh became personal. Manasseh was changed by God’s acceptance, but Yahweh didn’t erase the consequences of his sin.

Aftermath of a Prodigal

Like the father of the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable, Yahweh welcomed Manasseh into His all-forgiving embrace and restored him to Judah’s throne. But Manasseh’s radical reforms couldn’t destroy the deeply-rooted pagan practices that had grown in his son Amon’s heart. 

Like the older brother in Jesus’ parable, Amon focused on Manasseh’s pagan past. Just as the older brother refused to see the miracle of forgiveness His father extended, Amon refused to embrace the God who forgave his father. Manasseh’s forgiveness brought significant changes to Judah. When he died, sadly, Amon returned to worship his false gods.

Briefly consider people in your life—their past errors that may in some way have created consequences that make your life harder. Scars of a blended family? Insecurities from a troubled childhood? Difficult work environment borne of unjust favoritism? 

What practical steps will you take to ensure you don’t become embittered like the older brother or Amon? How can you rejoice in God’s acceptance and celebrate His miraculous grace extended to you and to others?

From Darkness to Light

Have you ever considered how Manasseh’s childhood training in the Scriptures guided his prayers in prison? The same words he learned—what Christians call the Old Testament—can be our entreaty that God would rescue us. Our Heavenly Father’s merciful heart compels Him to run toward us, arms open wide.

Is there a circumstance or sin that seems like a prison to you? Cry out to your loving Father, as Manasseh did, humbly asking for His forgiveness and acceptance.

From Manasseh to the Cross

Though our circumstances may not change immediately, and the consequences of our sins may linger, Jesus’ sacrifice ensures God’s unconditional love and acceptance. Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit is God’s ultimate embrace to every sinner’s cry. Through Him, we’ve become God’s sons and daughters who can cry, “Abba!” (Daddy!). 

Write out your prayer beginning, “Dear Abba,” and let His unchained acceptance free you from whatever holds you prisoner today.