“He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight, following the detestable practice of the pagan nations that the Lord had driven from the land . . . He rebuilt the pagan shrines . . . He constructed altars for the images of Baal and set up Asherah poles. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshipped them. He built pagan altars in the temple of the Lord” (II Chronicles 33:1-5 NLT).

If that wasn’t enough, note how wicked he became. “Manasseh also sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the Lord’s sight arousing his anger” (II Chronicles 33:6-9 NLT). Sin corrupted the whole nation.

Second – Consider THE CONSEQUENCES of sin and rebellion. God warns us of the consequences of sin. “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people but they ignored all his warnings” (II Chronicles 33:10 NLT). God has revealed the consequences of sin through his Word. “The soul that sins shall die.” “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). If we will not humble ourselves God will allow or cause circumstances and judgment to get our attention. He desires that we repent – turn from our sinful, destructive ways, and turn to Him for pardon and life. God sent the Assyrian armies who defeated Manasseh and took him prisoner by putting a ring in his nose and leading him like a bull. They bound him in bronze chains and shackles and took him to Babylon. As a result Manasseh suffered humiliation, pain, and bondage as a result of his rebellion and sin.

Third – Consider THE COMPASSION of a merciful God. I was greatly surprised when I read the turn and saving of wicked King Manasseh. It almost took my breath away. God, in His great and awesome mercy, forgave, delivered, and restored King Manasseh despite all that he had done. Why? To show us how merciful God is to those who will turn to him in true repentance.

The saving of wicked King Manasseh is so remarkable. Let’s consider the heart attitude that led to the saving of Manasseh.

First – A CONTRITE HEART. “But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors” (II Chronicles 33:12). David realized the compassion and mercy of God. “A broken and contrite heart you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). James tells us to humble ourselves before God in sincere brokenness and tears and God will lift us up. (James 4:4-10)

Second – A CONFESSING HEART. “And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request” (II Chronicles 33:13 NLT). God was moved by Manasseh’s prayer of brokenness and confession. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

Jerome, an early father of the church, was so broken and thankful for all that God had done for him through giving His only begotten son. He said, “Lord God, you have given me so much but what can I give you?” “Give me your sins,” said the Lord. None of us has anything to be proud of – we all have sinned. Don’t go down the path of sin and bondage that Manasseh went. Confess and give your sins to the Redeemer.

Third – A CHANGED HEART brought God’s mercy to one of the most wicked and depraved kings of Judah and Israel. When Manasseh repented, he had a changed heart. God listened, forgave, and restored Manasseh back to Jerusalem. We know he had a changed heart because after he was restored he destroyed all of the pagan shrines, idols, and altars. He led Judah in national repentance and revival. He cleansed the temple and encouraged the people to worship the Lord God of Israel. Does your temple need cleansing? We need saving not pampering of our self-esteem.

The saving of wicked King Manasseh shows that Gods grace and mercy is immeasurable to those who will sincerely repent of their sin and turn to him. (Psalm 103) Corrie ten Boom said, “There is no pit that God’s grace is not deeper still.” Why would God forgive so freely? Because his only begotten son paid the price of our redemption by his blood shed on the cross. His grace and mercy is not cheap. Jesus paid it all. The saving of King Manasseh shows us the fathomless depth of God’s mercy. He always hears the humble cry of repentance.

“’Come now, let’s settle this,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson I will make them as white as wool’” (Isaiah 1:18 NLT).