Jehu
As fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by God to Elijah, Jehu will be the next king (1 Kings 19:16-17). His reign lasts 28 years.
A violent new start occurs in the kingdom of Israel. Jehu’s reign fulfills all the prophecy about demolishing Ahab’s family and Jezebel. Jehu destroyed all the people close to or related to this family line. Then he went about demolishing all the ministers of Baal. He cleaned house completely of Baal worship.
Again, we have a great opportunity for a new start here with Jehu. We see prophecy fulfilled before our very eyes. We see the Lord commending Jehu for his obedience. Israel has yet another chance for a fresh start with this new leadership.
Read 2 Kings 10:28-30.
“So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. However, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit—the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan. The LORD said to Jehu, "Because you have done well in accomplishing what is right in my eyes and have done to the house of Ahab all I had in mind to do, your descendants will sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation."
Based on the passage, take a look at what Jehu failed to do?
He was so close to getting things right by cleaning house. God commends him for completing the work God had in mind to do. He is given the time frame of the fourth generation for his family being on the throne of Israel. Would that not put a fire in your heart to completely clean house?
He has done so much already why not take it all the way? Yet he continues the practices of the very first king in the northern kingdom—Jeroboam. Jehu was so close to a great start. He did demolish the most of the detestable things but not all of them. Full devotion was not toward God.
1-Have you ever realized it was time to clean house of the filth you may have lying around? Things like movies, music, or magazines which God would not deem fitting for His servants?
2-Have you ever partially cleaned up and justified some of the things being okay to keep around? After all, it has always been that way and it seemed to work. Explain.
3-If you have time, check out the amazing prophecy fulfillment by Jehu. You will find them listed in 2 Kings 9:6-10, 2 Kings 9:25-26, 2 Kings 9:36-37, 2 Kings 10:10-11, and 2 Kings 10:17. It amazes me how God’s hand was involved so much here.
Beloved, please see God for who He truly is in this. God is a God of perfect love and He loves you unconditionally. God is also a God of perfect justice. He is the one and only righteous judge. Some of this sounds harsh but we are not God. With some things we just have to stand in awe of Him and thank Him for His grace.
Next we will take a look at Jehu’s son Jehoahaz’s reign.
Copyright 2008-Refresh My Soul Ministries-Angela Parsley
2 comments:
Angela, I liked your comment: "He was so close to getting things right." That's always a challenge as we follow Jesus. How much do we submit to him and how how much do we withhold? Close doesn't count for much. God wants all - but it's so worth it. Thanks for sharing.
You've won an award! Come pick it up when you get a chance. Have a blessed weekend. :~D
Post a Comment