SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY GUIDE DEVOTIONAL FOR DECEMBER 18, 2022 (TRUE REPENTANCE LEADS TO SALVATION )
TOPIC ; TRUE REPENTANCE LEADS TO SALVATION
Opening Prayer: Help me to understand the exceeding greatness of your power as I read through this passage, dear Lord.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 33.1‐25
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
MESSAGE
Manasseh did not follow in his father, Hezekiah’s footsteps. He did evil in the Lord’s eyes being fully immersed in idolatry, astrology and the occult (witchcraft, divination, necromancy) (vs.2‐10). Comparing 2 Chronicles 29‐32 with today’s text, there is no certainty that children will automatically follow their parents’ faith no matter how zealous the latter are. The children will require consistent godly training and a genuine personal encounter with Jesus Christ (Proverbs 22:6).
The king led his country to do more evil than the pagan nations (v.9). As a leader, where are you leading your family, staff, colleagues, friends…? Manasseh and the people ignored the Lord’s gracious warnings. What was the consequence (vs.10‐11)? Notice Manasseh’s response in his affliction. Following this, the Lord saved and restored him (v.13). He finally realized that the Lord is God!
True repentance is a change of attitude, heart and direction as Manasseh well illustrated at the end of his days (vs.15‐16). However, his son, Amon, did not repent of his own evil ways (v.23). There was no restoration for him but judgment (v.24).
For Further Study
Read and meditate on Luke 15:11‐24 for more insight on true repentance and God’s mercy.
Practice/Word Application
What next? God bestows His blessings and eternal life on those who truly repent and follow in His ways, but the path of evildoers leads to eternal death (see Romans 6:23). Pray for grace to follow in the path of true repentance.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• O LORD, let our leaders be humble enough to realise and repent of their evil ways.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Romans 4:21
Bible Reading: 2 John , Psalms 139, 140.
