PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Kings 9-10
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD.” [2 Kings 10:16]
Jehu brings justice to all of Ahab’s victims (and they were many).
Jehu also clears the land of the poison of Baal worship.
God affirms Jehu for doing what needed to be done to Ahab (2 Kings 10:30).
But the narrator shows that Jehu was not first of all motivated by love for God.
“Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the LORD with all his heart.” (2 Kings 10:31)
So what do we make of someone like Jehu, affirmed by God yet not fully obeying God?
Here again we see both the justice and mercy of God, and the extent of God’s grace.
God works with us, despite our flaws and failures, but also challenges us to change.
God sends Jesus to work with us, a mixed bag of imperfect disciples.
By his Spirit Jesus works to change us, to open our eyes and make us more like him.
Over time it becomes evident whether our heart is for the Lord or only for ourselves.
In this life it will become clear whether we are lovers of God or lovers of ourselves.
God sees the direction of the heart, not just the deeds of the moment.
If the narrator described me, in which direction would my heart and life be leaning?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to seek and serve You from my heart, and not just in my public words and actions. Protect me from hypocrisy.
Jehu seemed to be God’s clean up guy. He carried out the prophesies concerning Ahab and Jezebel – and routed out his family – and he wiped out the Baal priests and the sacred stone. He did much and it was acknowledged – yet some rot stayed – the rot of the worship of the golden images on the hills – that was set up right at the beginning under Jereboam. His zeal did not go far enough. Many times God put in place ‘Mr Clean’ types – but they never were able to finish the job – as gruesome as the assignments were. Sin is ugly – I need to remember that. Only one Mr Clean finished job – and He didn’t do it be eliminating people – He did it by shedding His own blood as the ultimate sacrifice of life for my life and all who believe in Him! He is the real Mr Clean.
My walk must be in His ‘SonShine.’ Although God used Jehu for His irposes, Jehu did not walk in the law of the Lord. Throughout my journey I need to take hold of God’s hand so that He will lead me and guide me in my ‘pilgrim’s progress’. Today as in every day, God is first. By His Spirit lead me to be a blessing to those around me by my words and deeds. Love in action.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia
Man shall not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu, alleluia
Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
Allelu, alleluia
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia