Kings & Kingdoms, Part 2: Half-Hearted or Humble

Grant Fishbook, Lead Teaching Pastor

If you are an authentic follower of Jesus, you have a King!

The Challenge: Can you put your above your ?

The Story of Two Kings

King 1: Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem. ² He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not wholeheartedly. 2 Chronicles 25:1-2

If you want God to , with your whole heart.

King 2: Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. ² He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. ³ He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had demolished, he also erected altars to the Baals and made Asherah poles. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them. ⁴ He built altars in the temple of the LORD, of which the Lord had said, “My Name will remain in Jerusalem forever.” ⁵ In both courts of the temple of the Lord, he built altars to all the starry hosts. ⁶ He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger. 2 Chronicles 33:1-6

But this wasn’t the end of his story:
¹⁰ The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.¹¹ 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. 2 Chronicles 33:10-11

¹² In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. ¹³ 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 33:12-13

If you will not humble yourself, you will .

“This is the one I esteem:
       he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
       and trembles at my word.” Isaiah 66:2

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6

Let’s make this personal:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Jesus offers help to us in tough decisions:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

Listen to this description of heavenly wisdom from James:
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

Small Group Questions

1. Have you ever had an uncomfortable political conversation? What made it go badly?
2. What’s your track record when it comes to putting your faith above your politics?
3. Read 2 Chronicles 33:1–11. Where do you see these practices happening in our modern world? What, do you believe, is an appropriate response for a Jesus follower?
4. What are some of your takeaways about pride from the story of Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33?
5. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14 out loud. Can you wholeheartedly participate in every piece of the verse? Do that now!
6. How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?