Jeremiah 15:4 Because of the wicked things Manasseh son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, did in Jerusalem, I will make my people an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth. (NLT)
This chapter is all about destruction—the destruction of Judah because of their sins, which started with the reign of King Manasseh, who turned the nation back to polytheism. God even names Manasseh specifically in verse 4 as the source, the root cause of their slide.
Jeremiah 15:19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. (NIV)
Verse 19 is spoken to Jeremiah, but the invitation to repent and be restored is open to us all. The caution not to let ourselves be negatively influenced by the sin of others is a caution for all. Manasseh eventually made his way back to God, he repented and was restored, but the damage had already been done for the people of Judah. His sin had become theirs. They were now making the bad choices.
2 Chronicles 33:12-13 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!
Lord, Thank You for the message of hope, forgiveness, and restoration that can be found in this chapter. Thank You that if we return to You and humble ourselves, You will restore us. Help us not to be negatively influenced by others. Help us to never forget that the only thing that keeps us from You is our own stubborn pride. Help us to humble ourselves and return. Always. Amen.
Jeremiah 15:19 This is how the LORD responds: “If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! (NLT)
Have a blessed day.