Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 32-33
Whereas the first record of Manasseh’s reign had nothing good to say of him (2 Kings 21:1-18), the Chronicler gives us a greater and better picture concerning his reign, noting Manasseh’s repentance for his wickedness and attempt to do right in the eyes of God. This repentance was “helped along” by the Assyrians, who carried away Manasseh with hooks, likely through the nose, and afflicted him in Babylon. Sometimes God just has to get our attention! We should also note Manasseh’s wickedness in 2 Chronicles 33:19, and how he offered his children as burnt sacrifices to the gods. His wickedness was unmatched in the history of Judah, even surpassing the wickedness of the nations driven from Canaan by Israel when they took possession of the land. The lesson to be learned? God accepts all men who truly repent, no matter how wicked they may have been in the past.
New Testament reading: 1 Peter
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven.” These are the words of Jesus to Nicodemus in John 3:3. While much is said and disputed about the meaning of this verse, (as well as the Lord’s explanation in John 3:5), very few find their way to the verse in today’s reading that also sheds some light on the text. Peter makes a very interesting and enlightening connection with the new birth in 1 Peter 1:22-25. Note how verse 22 clearly states that our souls purified by obeying the truth. That means I have some role in the saving of my soul! Moreover, Peter continues by equating one’s obedience to the truth to being born again through the word of God. This everlasting word (v 24) is identified as “the gospel which was preached to you” (v 25). So what shall we say to all this? Let us read 1 Peter 1:22-25 in light of Romans 1:16, which says the gospel is God’s power to save. Let us read it in consideration of Mark 16:15-16, which says we must hear the preached gospel and respond to it by believing the message therein and being baptized in order to be saved. Finally, let us think of the purifying of our souls in view of Acts 22:16, wherein Saul of Tarsus was told to “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” The Bible is always the best commentary on the Bible!
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