Important Lessons From the Kings of Israel - You Can Return to Jehovah

 Consider the example of King Manasseh, who "did great on a grand scale what was bad in Jehovah's eyes." He shed innocent blood in very great quantity," engaged in various forms of spiritism, and even offered his sons in sacrifice to false gods! (2 Kings 21:6, 16) He influenced the nation of Judah to "do greater evil than the nations." (2 Kings 21:9; 2 Chronicles 33:1-6) But when Manasseh was taken captive to Babylon, he repented. This involved more than one appeal for forgiveness. After all, he made a practice of grave sin over a long period of time. In his distress, Manasseh "kept humbling himself" and "kept praying." With what result? Jehovah heard Manasseh and "was moved by his entreaty." Jehovah forgave him and restored him to Jerusalem and to his kingship. - 2 CHRONICLES 33:12, 13. 

Will Jehovah deal similarly with others who have left true worship but show genuine, heartfelt repentance? Yes, for Isaiah 55:7 states: "Let the wicked man leave his way and the evil man his thoughts; let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy on him, to our God, for he will forgive in a large way." So do not hesitate to take the necessary steps to return to Jehovah!

What lessons, then, have we learned from the kings of Israel? We can be like the faithful kings if we maintain a heart that is completely devoted to Jehovah. Let us learn from our mistakes, repent, and make the needed corrections. And may we remember the importance of adhering to the worship of the one and only true God. If you personally stick to Jehovah, he will view you as someone who does what right in his eyes. 

Next time: What Jehovah Has Done to Rescue Sinful Humans 

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