"Jeroboam...became king in Samaria... He did evil in the sight of the LORD... He restored the border of Israel...according to the word of the LORD... For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter; for there was neither bond nor free, nor was there any helper for Israel. The LORD did not...blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash."
I've seen this a couple times very distinctly. People are spitting in God's face, ignoring His very existence, but it seems His heart is broken for...I don't know what. The nation is worshipping other gods -not a big deal, it would seem to me: God should take that as a sign that they don't want His help, and they should have to get through life without His blessing. But if He really is a big supernatural power and they are worshipping other gods, He should at least be put off, upset or offended. But He is able to look at this group of people who are in the act of ignoring Him despite His great power and see "the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter; for there was neither bond nor free, nor was there any helper for Israel."
Now either God is a really powerful guy, who is still very needy for friends, or His view of humanity is irrational, or some other third option I haven't thought of. As I think about why He has spared Israel and why He plays favorites with them, I remember Abraham. He must be remembering Abraham when He repeatedly spares them - that's commitment to a promise! I suppose as He is looking at a rebellious Israel, He sees a faithful Abraham and desires that his descendants not live in misery. Two other times I've clearly seen this: First, my parents' inability to not want good and pleasant things for me even against their better judgment and even though I'm in the act of disrespecting them...it's crazy and almost not respectable. Secondly, I believe in Jesus' expiation of my sins. While in the court room, the Judge prepares to give me my sentence and Jesus steps in front of me. Though I've already admitted to guilt, Jesus promises that he'll take me in and clean me up; make me perfect. Since Jesus has a perfect record of doing that with millions, the Judge looks at me, but doesn't see just me. He sees Jesus and believes in Him. While the Judge detests what I've created of myself and is revolted by the testimony against me, He lets me go on the condition that I stick with Jesus.
Admittedly, the second story is one I created through study, feelings, and good wholesome indoctrination. I don't know if all or any of it is the way things actually work. I do believe it will be much like that, minus the gavel, the robes, and the rich mahogany furniture. What I do know is that I've done some bad, bad stuff in my life. Stuff I haven't been beat for yet! I've put out more bad than good and I've taken far more than I've given. If there is an afterlife, and if things are anywhere close to fair and right and good and just; if there is a day where the wrong things from this world will be set right, I'm gonna need a Jesus!
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