Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. (2 Chron. 33:1)
Expanded Passage: Chronicles 33:1
“Just as I Am” was the song played at camp when I gave my heart to Jesus at age eleven. That moment was my first calling, how I came to be royalty. Belonging to Jesus made me a daughter of the King. What does a daughter of the King do? How does a daughter of the King act? What are the responsibilities of a daughter of the King?
I did not inherit a kingdom to rule over but a kingdom to build—God’s kingdom. Knowing how to build a kingdom meant reading the kingdom-building manual and blueprints. While many kingdoms have limited princes and princesses, God’s kingdom is endless and all are welcome. He wants no one to perish.
In 2 Chronicles 31, we read that Manasseh’s dad, King Hezekiah, was a good leader for the people of Israel. At twelve years of age, Manasseh began his reign over the people of Israel and went on to lead for fifty-five years. Fifty-five years is a long time to make a difference for good or bad when reigning over a group of people, and within Manasseh’s fifty-five years, he did evil and led the Israelites to do the same.
Turning toward Jesus is not just a once-in-a-lifetime calling; it is a life-long call. Obedience to the call of kingdom building is the responsibility of all God’s daughters and sons.
Make your lifetime calling the pursuit of God’s kingdom.
Carol Jimerson is a wife, mother and grandmother who loves writing, the outdoors, and mentoring. She is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church, Penn York District.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
