- The Lord sees that the affliction of Israel is very bitter. They had brought their suffering on themselves. But God is moved with compassion and by His integrity.
- Verse 26 says, “There was none to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam.”
- God saved Israel, though it was Jeroboam who led in their victories, even though he was an evil king.
- God is the savior. God gives the victory.
- God is willing to let an evil king have success in order to show compassion for Israel. He doesn’t throw up His hands and say, “Well, they are getting what they deserve.” His love conquers the day. Love covers a multitude of sins.
- He’s determined that Israel will not be wiped out. There will be a remnant. He’s keeping a promise here to preserve them. He will save them from themselves. God can step in and show mercy when He wants to step in and show mercy. That’s His prerogative and we don’t get to fuss about that.
- There had been no one to help Israel. They had been turning to false gods and they weren’t coming through. There is only one savior.
- Why turn to false gods that don’t help?
- They must have believed they would help. They must have had a time of thinking these gods were giving them what they wanted.
- Our idols can seem to produce good in the short term, even if just a momentary pleasure, but they will always be death in the long term.
- They can’t produce life. They can never save.
- There is and only ever was one savior. There were none before and there will never be another. He is from everlasting to everlasting.
- Give thanks for His enduring mercy, and know Him as your God who saves you.
