Hezekiah, one of the most godly kings of Judah, had a son who was one of the most wicked kings of Judah. Manasseh seemed to undo all the good his father did in turning people back to the Lord. He plunged head-first into idolatry and led the whole nation astray (9). But because the Lord loved the people of Judah, he severely disciplined Manasseh, letting him be captured by the king of Assyria and taken away (11). Then Manasseh humbled himself greatly and prayed to the Lord (12). God heard Manasseh’s prayer even after all the evil he had done, and restored him (13).

Manasseh had a son, Amon, who committed all the same evils that his father did, yet without repentance (21-23). His reign was cut short by an assassination plot (24). No one is guaranteed more time to repent. But God accepts earnest repentance, no matter how wicked the sin is, and forgives and restores by the power of Jesus’ blood.
Application: Father, thank you that you extend mercy even to very wicked sinners who repent, like me. Help me remember that repentance is open to me and to others in Jesus as long as we draw breath.
One Word: God accepts repentance even of great wickedness