“God, Where Are You?” (or, A Theodicy Odyssey) Part VII
INTRODUCTION – A theodicy is a defense of the ways of God in the face of the existence of evil. Last week, from Psalm 73, we dealt with the problem of the prosperity of the wicked. This week, we will consider a specific example of this troubling issue. In II Kings 21:1-18, we read of Manasseh, who reigned over Judah for fifty-five years. Why was this evil man permitted to rule for so many years? Why was he allowed to be king at all?
- GOD TEACHES US WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT
Many things are important to us: love, significance, happiness, security. All of these (and far more) are found in a relationship with God the Son, Jesus Christ. However, what is most important is forgiveness. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” We are guilty and hopeless without Jesus; with Him, we have forgiveness, certain forgiveness. We can all agree that Manasseh clearly needed forgiveness. Comparing Scripture to Scripture (as we always should), we find in II Chronicles 33:10-16 that God’s forgiveness finally reached into Manasseh’s life about fifty years into his reign.Why did God wait for Manasseh’s repentance? Why did He wait for me? He waits because He knows what is most important, what all of most need – forgiveness.
- GOD REVEALS THE INTENSITY OF HIS PURSUIT
The punishment of II Chronicles 33:11 was intended for Manasseh’s good to bring him to repentance, as it did. However, this was not God’s only attempt to reach Manasseh’s heart. God gave Manasseh the example and influence of his godly father, Hezekiah; in fact, father and son were co-regents for about the first ten years of Manasseh’s reign. Moreover, Manasseh heard the God-given words of the prophet Isaiah (who preached for about sixty years but apparently had no know converts during his long tenure). Their interaction ended in Isaiah’s martyrdom at Manasseh’s hand; according to strong and credible church history and Hebrews 11:37, Isaiah was placed in a hollow log and sawn in half. God continued to pursue Manasseh nonetheless, even as Isaiah in his final moments could have legitimately asked, “God, where are You?” Yet, we know that…
- GOD IS ALWAYS DOING MANY GOOD THINGS
The lengthy pursuit of Manasseh was a great good thing. Despite his martyrdom, Isaiah was blessed with tremendous insights into the coming of the Messiah, so much so that he is often called the “evangelical prophet.” He was also granted the glorious vision of Isaiah 6. Other prophets were also at work at this time, including Hosea and Micah. It is hard for us to focus on more than one thing at a time. When we think of Manasseh, for example, we remember the evil years, the wicked half-century. More, far more, was taking place. Isaiah’s strong statement of faith in Isaiah 26:4 provides the appropriate perspective.
CONCLUSION – A lovely picture passes through my mind, a picture based on Scriptural truth. I see Hezekiah and Manasseh, father and son, standing together in heaven. Alongside, I see the prophet Isaiah. There are no recriminations, no awkwardness, because forgiveness is forever and the focus is on the “everlasting strength” (or, the “Rock of Ages”) forever. We can be certain of these things due to God’s intense pursuit of us that culminated in the Cross of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Through saving faith in Him, we find that God is good, all the time, now and forever.