Opening Verse
“For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.” – 2 Chronicles 33:3, KJV
Introduction
In life, it’s easy to stray from the path that leads to light and truth. Much like Manasseh, we might find ourselves building up things that take us away from God, chasing after what seems appealing but ultimately leads us away from true peace and happiness.
Devotional Story
Consider a young man, filled with ambition and dreams, who starts to believe that success and happiness come from wealth, power, or popularity. He pours his energy into achieving these, neglecting his spiritual life, much like Manasseh did by turning to other gods and away from the Lord. But deep down, there’s a feeling of emptiness, a whisper that something crucial is missing.
What This Means
Manasseh’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we stray, the road back to God is always open. It’s a call to examine our lives, to see what “altars” we’ve built that lead us away from Him, and to remember that genuine peace and fulfillment come from walking with God, not from the things of this world.
Think About This
Have you built “high places” in your life that need tearing down? Are there things you’ve put before your relationship with God that have led you away from Him?
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to recognize the “altars” we’ve built in our lives that lead us away from You. Give us the strength to tear them down and return to Your path, knowing that true happiness and peace come from You alone. Amen.
Closing Verse
“But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” – Deuteronomy 4:29, KJV