Patient and Merciful God

2 Kings 8:19
Nevertheless, for the sake of his servant David, the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah. He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

Oh how patient and merciful is our God!
Despite Jehoram's infidelity and wickedness, God remained faithful to his promise and his plan to provide a light to the world through the throne of David (2 Sam 7:12-16; 1 Kings 15:4). That light would one day be revealed as Jesus Christ, God's only Son, in the flesh (John 1:1-14).
Not even the wickedness of a king could turn God away from His promise and His plan.
This should not lead us to believe that God takes sin lightly. Instead, He takes His Word seriously. The promises of God and the gifts of God are certain, they are irrevocable (Rom. 11:28-32). His faithfulness to Israel, despite their sin, means a blessing to the world - that we too may receive this great light! (Rom. 11:1-5).
Oh how patient and merciful is our God! Amen!