We are currently studying King Manasseh of Judah, just beginning the series.

First let’s get a one verse summary of the quality of Manasseh’s time ruling over Judah. “Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.” 2 Chronicles 33:9

Yes, he was a wicked King!

Now, who was his father? Surprisingly, godly King Hezekiah was! And 2 Kings 18:21 tells us of this good man: “He did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.”

A proper, “right-with-God” Daddy brings an ungodly (very much so) son into the world!

Oh, by the way, this is the family of King Hezekiah who was about to die … but earnestly prayed … and then God added 15 more years to his life. Remember? See 2 Kings 20:6, for the specifics.

Here’s my point today. Ponder the following fact. Had Hezekiah not lived those extra 15 years … the most wicked King ever to rule Israel would have never been born!

Wow!

This, folks, may be a case of a man getting the desire of his heart … to the detriment of those around him!

We should be careful what we ask of the Lord!

This reminds me of Psalm 106:15 where Israel selfishly demanded a certain kind of food. “And he (the Lord God) gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”

They got their lustful desires … but paid a dear price spiritually for their stubbornness.

In this light I am so glad Paul never had his “thorn” removed!

He (the Apostle) was not granted that specific request (though he asked 3 times) … but, goodness, how his soul prospered because of the resultant (unremoved) pain!

There’s a lot to learn about prayer.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell