II Kings 13-14

“And the Lord gave Israel a deliverer, so they escaped from under the hand of the Arameans” (13:5).  Despite Israel’s general unfaithfulness to God, when He “saw the oppression of Israel” (v4), He had compassion on them and delivered them.  Unfortunately, as soon as they were comfortable again, they went back to their idolatry and sinful ways (v6).  They didn’t see any connection between their behavior and its consequences: constant warfare and suffering.

We often seek God when trouble strikes, and He is merciful.  But He also calls us to grow into people whose choices bear the fruit of peace.