And he said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘I will make this dry streambed full of pools.’” (II Kings 3:16 ESV)
Surprising Blessings
The King of Northern Israel sought help against the King of Moab, who had started a war against him. That northern King sought help from the Kings of Judah and Edom. But Moab still had the larger army, the better tactical position, and more resources.
And despite Israel’s and Judah’s unfaithfulness at that time, the Lord helped them miraculously. Without any wind, clouds, or storm, the allied armies woke to see the ditches that Elisha had ordered them to dig, in preparation for His surprising blessing, filled with water.
And when the Moabites so the water in the morning, they mistakenly thought the water was blood from a fight amongst the allies, and jumped into battle! And the Lord, again miraculously, gave a surprising victory over Moab.
The nations of Israel and Judah did not deserve God’s help. The kings barely did ANY of the things we normally think are required before God sends help. We see no humility. We see no apology. We see no promise to improve.
But God gives them help, blessings, and military salvation.
This should not surprise us. Because He saves His people today the same way. He gives us the cross long before we were even aware we needed it. He gives us blessings before we display humility. He changes our hearts so that we can repent, before we even know we have sinned.
God’s usual M.O. is grace.
And He showed it to the Judeans and Israelites with undeserved water and victory.
I expect there was a lot of rejoicing. I hope there was a lot of turning again to the Lord.
But even if there was not… let US turn again to Him. Not to receive His blessings, but because He already has given, is giving, and will give them to His people.