But Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites. (2 Chron. 33:9)
Expanded Passage: 2 Chronicles 33:7-9
Living in the country with a large family was the best. The experiences of running down to the creek to catch crayfish, riding bikes for miles on the back roads, and having the neighborhood kids play hide and seek in our yard well into the evening hours are priceless. One game we played was follow the leader. Playing the game in a barn full of hay bales was the most fun as unsteady feet caused some really funny stunt work with wild arm and leg motions. But going through the roughest terrain around or doing the craziest movements was the aim to get the followers out of the game. Being the leader and making it difficult for the followers to follow was my goal in childhood.
Those who lived in Jerusalem at the time of King Hezekiah followed a good leader, doing good in the eyes of the Lord. But then, a new king came into power: Manasseh. He led the people away from God. He had them do some really evil things and led them through rough terrain that cost some of them their lives.
Being a follower was not one of my strong points as a child. As I continue to grow up, my prayer is that I become a good follower of Christ and that others will want to be a good follower of Christ too.
Be a follower of God because he will never lead you astray.
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®.
