From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.
“And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORDhis God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORDhe was God.” (II Chron. 33:12-13)
There is a wonderful lesson of life in these two verses. Many would no doubt disagree and perceive not the blessings contained herein, but to the discerning eye of a child of God there are immeasurable blessings springing out of the bosom of the Father. As it written: “But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”(Heb. 12:8) Only the sons of God are privileged to have the chastising hand of the heavenly Father, which brings forth innumerous treasures of love.
God warned Manasseh to turn from his wicked ways but he refused to give heed to the words of God. This rebellion brought on the Father’s hand of punishment. Notice, it is said: “when he was inaffliction.” When Manasseh was in the midst of the affliction he came to his senses that God was absolutely serious that he must turn from his depraved ways to walk in the paths of righteousness. It is in the turmoil of this affliction where he is privileged to experience godly gifts. The opportunity to conduct oneself rightly toward God is a heavenly gift of privilege allotted only to the sons of God.
Note the privileged blessings: 1. “He besought (grievingly)the LORD; 2. He “humbled himself greatly before the God”; 3. He “prayed” (by way of acknowledging his sins)to God; 4. God listened to Manasseh’s prayer; 5. God heard (judicially with mercy)his plea for gracious favor; 6. “Then Manasseh knew that the LORDhe was God.” The privilege of being able to repent is a gift from God. (Acts 11:17-18), and not all men are afforded this gift.
God brings forth afflictions upon His sons with gifts for repentance that they may KNOW the LORDHe is God. Praise Him!
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