The Kingdom Falls
Chapter 17

Is it ever too late to repent?

“The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.   So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon.   In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.   And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God." 2 Chronicles 33:10-13(NIV)

Does God save evil people?

Manasseh reinstated idol worship in Judah. He sacrificed his son to Molech. He built idols and altars to other gods in the temple. He practiced divination and sorcery. 2 Kings 21:16 tells us that “Manasseh shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem end to end.” (During January, Sanctity of Human Life month,  you and I should pause and ponder our complicity in the shedding  of innocent blood).
 
As a result Manasseh was punished by God. Did God do this to him or did he simply experience the natural consequences of his actions? Is there a difference?
 
Manasseh was a brutal, evil man, and he suffered for it. Yet he repented and did so sincerely. Did God forgive him and give him a second chance? Reread the above passage and find out. 

Was it too late for him to repent? No. Was it too late to save those for whom he was responsible? Yes. Salvation is about a lot more than me.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to see my own evil before it's too late . . .for others. Amen”