God favored the people of Israel. He raised them with the hope that they would become a Kingdom of Priests. He long endured their shortcomings. But they brought the judgment upon themselves. First, they became proud and acted as if they did not know God. They refused to acknowledge God and gave themselves into idolatry.

Then the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah started fighting against each other, making them prone to foreign attack. Israel still stubbornly refused to turn to God and instead reached out to the king of Assyria for help. Not only was the king of Assyria unable to save Israel, he would take advantage of them. And this time, God would not come to a quick rescue. Instead, he would quietly wait, like a lion in their lair, waiting for them to repent their sin and seek him sincerely. This time, simple crying out of misery would not work. They would need to come to know their God, his faithfulness, and mercy, and reach out to him based on their knowledge of him.

Are you praying for God to help you today? Are you ready to spend time with him, meditate on his words, and pray based on his will? God loves you, and he wants you to get to know him so you can share in a love relationship with him.
Application: Father, I come to you in my humility. Please come to me and guide me according to your will.
One Word: God’s judgment and discipline.