Life Change | Manasseh the Criminal

Bible: 2 Chronicles 33

Who doesn't know the stories of people who commit brutal acts of violence? We read about them in the newspaper, we hear about them on the radio, we see images of them. The prisons bear witness to this, in our own country and all over the world. Murder, manslaughter, robberies, theft; the list is much longer. Perhaps you have experienced this within your own family circle. It could also be that you are reading this and thinking: I am one of them myself. Maybe you are asking yourself: is real change, true transformation, ever possible? Let the story of Manasseh be an encouragement and inspiration.

Manasse lives in the land of Israel. He is the crown prince. His father Hezekiah takes good care of him, and in his upbringing Manasse hears how good and important it is to live according to the will of God. Time and again, he hears in his life: love God above all and your neighbor as yourself. 

One day, King Hezekiah dies. There is a change of throne, and from now on Manasseh rules. It soon becomes clear that he chooses a completely different course than his father. He wants nothing (anymore) to do with the Bible. He decides for himself what is good and evil. Manasseh involves himself with occultism and magic. Sorcerers and fortune-tellers come to live in his palace. Manasseh becomes completely captivated by evil. It even goes so far that he has his own child burned as an offering. Terrible! 

In the land, there is freedom and space for adultery and all kinds of sexual debauchery. Manasseh wants the people to worship the sun, moon, and stars instead of God, the Creator of heaven and earth. Manasseh has thrown overboard everything that was good and brought in everything that is evil. Manasseh lives his life without God. The Bible has become a closed book for Manasseh. 

Perhaps you recognize yourself in Manasseh’s life choices? Used to go to church or heard stories from the Bible. Knew a grandfather or grandmother who was a Christian, but you? You don’t care for it anymore. You want to determine your own life, decide for yourself what you do. The Bible means nothing to you anymore. 

And yet? Are you truly happy now? Manasseh’s life takes an unexpected turn. He ends up in prison. There he sits, surrounded by four walls. Lonely and alone. Bound, he can’t go anywhere. No more freedom. No more choices of his own. Nothing. And there, he starts to feel anxious. The Bible is clear about this: whoever leaves God, has sorrow upon sorrow to fear. There, in the silence of the cell, his whole life passes through his mind. A life book full of black pages opens. On every page it says: I did it wrong. I chose death instead of life. Manasseh becomes afraid, very afraid. 

Manasseh thinks back to his father. To the God of his father. Instead of loving God and his neighbor, he has hated God and his neighbor. Manasseh becomes deeply sad. He feels his guilt. He becomes remorseful. And there in the dark cell, Manasseh bows before God. A tremendous life change takes place. God has stopped him in his tracks, by His Spirit; the Holy Spirit.  

Manasseh has come to his senses, has developed a hatred for evil, and has returned to God. And God, does He receive such a runaway? Does He receive brutal murderers, gross criminals, and haters of His Word? Yes, God hears the fearful cry of Manasseh. There is forgiveness and a way back even for Manasseh. The Bible is clear about that too: “He who trusts in the LORD will be surrounded by lovingkindness (=goodness)!” That is possible because Jesus Christ has come. He hung between two murderers on the cross. Jesus prays for enemies. Jesus also prayed, suffered, and paid the penalty for Manasseh’s disobedience. Jesus came to give people who live without God a life with God again. Jesus knows better than anyone how good, how wonderful that life is. That’s why He gave His own life for it. So great, so rich is the grace and forgiveness of God. Back then in the time of Manasseh, and still today! 

Sometimes God gives events in life to make us think. These can also be difficult, sad situations. Remember that God wants to use those circumstances to stop us in our tracks. To make us reflect on our lives and the path we are taking. 

In this way, God still calls people: return! Leave the path without Me and find life in Me. Just as there was a tremendous change in Manasseh’s life, so God can also change our lives. It was good for Manasseh, and for the people of Israel too. It will be good for you as well! 

2 Chronicles 3:12-13
And when he was in distress, he earnestly sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He was moved by his entreaty and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.