Manasseh Forgets

Synopsis     2Kings 20:20-21:8     10/11/2019 

In time, King Hezekiah died. After his death, his son Manasseh became king. And Manasseh ruled for fifty-five years.  

However, Manasseh was a very evil king. He openly practiced idolatry and divination and encouraged others to do the same. He also set up altars throughout the land of Judah. He even set up altars to false gods in the temple of the Lord.   

Manasseh and Relapse 

Manasseh was not born at the time of the Assyrian siege. And, he became king at the young age of twelve. So, it does not seem that he was ever really aware of the unique relationship that God covenanted with Israel. 

For his part, Manasseh did not seem intent of eliminating the worship of God. But his worship was foreign. His way wasn’t prescribed by Moses. And, it had the unfortunate effect of equating worship of the one, true God with worshiping false gods and idols.  

So, under Manasseh’s leadership, the Israelites from the tribe of Judah largely forgot about God. As a result, the valid worship of the one true God was eclipsed by the more convenient practices of worshiping idols.  

Remembering Takes Effort 

It takes effort to accurately remember. Another way of saying that, it is surprisingly easy to forget.  

This tendency is especially true of the good things we encounter in life. The memory of pain always seems to linger a little longer. But even then, without effort, memories tend to fade. We move on. The feelings of pain, or of joy, wane. And then, we forget. 

I was saved.

I don’t think I anymore remember the day when this really registered in my mind. Momentous as I’m sure it was, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. The exhilaration that pervaded my early walk is sometimes hard to remember. And yet, it seems joyfully sophomoric when I see it in others. 

So what I find is that the battle to remember is first and foremost a spiritual battle. The truth is that it takes effort.  

He said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” I remain cyclic. He remains steadfast. I find Him again and again in the Eucharist. 

He just said do it. And I’m the better for it when I do. I’m the better for it when I remember.  

“No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” 1Cor 9:27