SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 33
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God! [2 Chronicles 33:12-13]
Mercy for the worst of sinners – Manasseh was a bad man, really bad, yet today’s reading has God forgiving him.
I once heard a sermon where the pastor talked about God’s mercy for the worst of sinners, even for Judas, who betrayed Jesus.
I remember disagreeing strongly, not because God couldn’t show mercy to Judas but because the bible seems to indicate that Judas was headed for destruction.
For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” [Matthew 26:24]
During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. [John 17:12]
Today I refuse to answer this one way or another; rather today I will only say what the bible makes very clear – God’s mercy extends to everyone, even the worst of sinners.
Only God knows the final outcome of Judas life, and all we can see is how his life ended.
When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself. [Matthew 27:3-5]
Judas’ life ends in severe misery and destruction; no doubt he reached a point where he wished he had never been born; the conclusion of his life was misery and despair to the extreme.
The lesson I take from today’s lesson, and from the message of Jesus, is that God’s mercy goes so much further than we realize or appreciate.
No doubt people will debate to the end of time whether Judas was “saved” or “lost” eternally, and I will not get worked about that debate.
But one thing I know, God’s mercy extends to the most horrible, the most despicable, the most cruel of people, and any and all who sincerely repent can be forgiven.
Let no one come to the place where they say ‘God cannot forgive me’; that is a lie from the deceiver.
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. [1 Timothy 1:15-16]
PRAYER:
Lord, impress on me today how great Your mercy is, and help me to humbly admit where I am sinful, in need of Your mercy. May my sorrow for sin not end in despair but in hope!