One of my goals for 2024 includes reading the entire Bible. I use the YouVersion Bible app to help me accomplish this goal. I enjoy listening to the Bible while simultaneously reading it, to help entrench the word in my mind and heart.

I finished 2 Chronicles yesterday. I won’t lie: my eyes looked like glazed donuts at certain instances throughout the Kings and Chronicles, especially if I read right before bed. These historical books include lists of hard-to-pronounce names and lots of numbers. I usually keep my distance from history, but I do understand its importance and appreciate it.

What really stood out to me: the essence of human nature. God created humans in his image. Before the fall, humans enjoyed uninterrupted fellowship with him. Our human nature–to make choices, whether good or evil–brought about the fall and the curse of death.

Throughout Kings and Chronicles, these two phrases occur often: “he did evil in the sight of the LORD” or “he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” Some kings had godly fathers, but committed evil during their reign. Some kings had ungodly fathers, but did right and prospered during their reigns. In spite of a father’s influence, a son made different choices than his predecessor.

It reminds me of humans in 2024. Out of our human nature, we choose good or evil. Sometimes, I clearly see that a choice opposes my best interest, yet I make that choice anyway. King Manasseh (son of King Hezekiah) clearly saw how God blessed his father, and Manasseh still chose to do evil. God disciplined Manasseh by sending Assyrians to capture Manasseh. Manasseh humbled himself, and God restored Manasseh to his throne.

In his amazing grace, God listens to our cries. In spite of all the evil Manasseh did, the word says, “…the Lord was moved by his (Manasseh’s) entreaty and listened to his plea (2 Chronicles 22:12-13).” Many times, I have done wrong, yet the Lord still shows his lovingkindess to me. I believe God understands his humans and their rebellious hearts. He still loves us.

EKG