Then he restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed fellowship offerings and thank offerings on it, and told Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel. — 2 Chronicles 33:16
King Manasseh came to the place of thanksgiving the hard way. In his youth he poured himself into idolatry and injustice. On his hands was the blood of the innocent. God sent prophets to warn him, but he paid no attention. Finally, God gave him over to the king of Assyria, and he was thrown in prison. There, in his distress, with shackles on his feet, he cried out to the LORD, and God had compassion on him. God restored him to his own land and to the throne of Israel.
Manasseh could never make right everything he had done wrong. Innocent blood still cried out for justice, but he could not deliver it.
Yet God had mercy on him, and King Manasseh sacrificed thank offerings.
There is something about gratitude. It reflects lessons learned. It grows as we grow. Some of us have deep regrets. If we can, we make amends. But sometimes there is nothing we can do. Except one thing. We can give an offering of thanks. Thanksgiving puts us quietly back at the feet of Jesus. And it is there that we will be restored.
Be encouraged!
Dwight