In this powerful message, Pastor Tyler Gillit reminds us that our God is the ultimate rebuilder. Just as Chip and Joanna Gaines transform rundown properties on Fixer Upper, the Lord takes broken lives that seem beyond repair and restores them into something beautiful and useful for His glory.
The city of Waco, Texas, gained worldwide attention through the television show Fixer Upper. Chip and Joanna Gaines purchase neglected houses and, through vision and hard work, turn them into stunning homes. Their projects inspire thousands of tourists who visit Waco each year hoping to see the results of their remarkable transformations. In the same way, God specialises in rebuilding what others might dismiss as hopeless.
Act 1: Rebellion
Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. But he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. (2 Chronicles 33:1-2, KJV)
Manasseh, the son of the godly King Hezekiah, became one of Judah’s most wicked kings. He rebuilt the high places his father had torn down, erected altars to Baal, worshipped the host of heaven, and even placed an idol in the house of the LORD. He caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom, practised witchcraft, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards. Manasseh shed innocent blood until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another. Not only did he sin personally, but he also led the entire nation into deeper idolatry than the heathen nations God had previously removed from the land.
His rebellion was deliberate and personal. He actively undid the reforms of his father and sought to provoke the LORD to anger. Manasseh stands as a sobering example of how far a person can stray, even with a godly heritage.
Act 2: Retribution
The LORD spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they would not hearken. (2 Chronicles 33:10, KJV)
God sent prophets to warn Manasseh and the people, but they refused to listen. The prophets declared that judgment was coming, describing it in vivid terms: ears would tingle at the news, Jerusalem would be wiped clean like a dish, and the people would be carried away as spoil.
In response to Manasseh’s unrepentant sin and his persecution of the prophets, the LORD brought the captains of the host of the king of Assyria against him. They took Manasseh among the thorns, bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon. The man who had picked a fight with God experienced the painful consequences of his rebellion.
Act 3: Restoration
And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto him: and he was entreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. (2 Chronicles 33:12-13, KJV)
In the depths of his distress in Babylon, Manasseh humbled himself greatly before the LORD. God heard his prayer and restored him, bringing him back to Jerusalem and his kingdom.
Once restored, Manasseh demonstrated true change. He removed the foreign gods and idols from the house of the LORD, repaired the altar of the LORD, offered peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel. He even built a wall around the city of David for protection.
This restoration reveals three key elements: humility, healing, and hope. Humility is the indispensable quality for restoration. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Healing follows when we turn to the Lord in genuine repentance. Finally, hope is essential for those who seek to help others. The story of Manasseh shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s amazing grace.
The people returning from Babylonian captivity who first read this account would have found great encouragement in it. Their own journey mirrored Manasseh’s: rebellion, retribution in exile, humility in Babylon, and restoration to the land where they rebuilt the wall and repaired the temple. If God could restore even Manasseh, He could restore them too.
Conclusion
God is still in the business of rebuilding broken lives, broken homes, and broken hearts. Whether you feel like a rundown house or know someone who does, remember that the Lord delights in taking what is broken and making it new. Humble yourself before Him today, and watch as His grace brings healing and renewed purpose.
