MANASSEH

2 Kings 20:1

Hezekiah must have had great hopes for “Manasseh” (meaning “causing to forget”). His birth would have brought joy into his home and been a great comfort to him after his sickness of a few years earlier. Sadly though, it seems others had a greater influence on Manasseh than his godly father; for Manasseh did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. It is interesting also that his mother’s name was Hephzibah meaning ‘my delight is in her’.

So from godly parents and from a godly home came one of the worst rulers that ever reigned. Manasseh was named well, had many privileges in life, and was no doubt the hope of his father and mother. He had a great future before him if he would build on the reforms that his father brought in. Where did it all go wrong?

The answer is that every child born, in whatever circumstances, rich or poor, healthy or sickly, loved or neglected, is nevertheless a sinner and only by the grace of God will he/she ever find ways of pleasing God. It’s true  of our children too. Without the moving of the Spirit of God in their lives (1 Cor 2: 14), they will never understand the ways of God. It's a bit like asking a blind person to watch the sunset, or a statue in the park to explain nuclear physics to you. They cannot understand it or take it in.

How we need therefore to pray for our children and grandchildren that they would seek the Lord in their early days. As Solomon once wrote, "Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth" (Eccl 12:1). We should pray for them whilst the thinking in their lives is being developed, and ask that God would bless them with salvation. Don’t become discouraged by a lack of response as you witness to your unsaved family and friends. Be patient, and hope in the Lord—it is His Spirit who will open the eyes of their understanding.