Read 2 Kings 9
Highlights:
Jehu anointed king of Israel; Jehu kills Joram and Ahaziah; Jezebel killed; Ahab’s family killed; Baal worshipers executed
And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel (2 Kings 9:7).
Elisha had given a great task to the young man delivering this message. The message was not from Elisha, but it had come from God. There had to be much anxiety due to the importance and the content of the message being carried.
The message delivered may seem like a harsh judgment from God. However, evil had reigned for long enough. God was ready to end this tyrannical reign of Ahab and Jezebel. His intent was to use the man Jehu to do it.
The message was probably just as difficult for the receiver of this message as it was for the messenger. Jehu surely felt the weight of what was being commanded for him to do. If he had declared its message, he could have been executed for treason.
However, Jehu need not worry about such. This was God's plan. This was God's vengeance being delivered upon those who had slain the prophets and brought corruption and idolatry to the kingdom of His chosen people. This was not Jehu's exacting vengeance. It was God's. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, saith the LORD (Rom. 12:19).
Many may look at this and think God to be a harsh judge. Just the opposite is true. God is known to offer grace and mercy in place of wrath all the time. Many simply are so blind to reality that they choose to suffer God's wrath rather than accept His kindness. The words of Jesus to the woman caught in the act of adultery clearly show that God wants us to repent so He will not have to judge us. When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, LORD. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (John 8:10-11).
If you have sinned, don't wait for the judgment of God to come your way. Jesus is waiting to offer His grace to your life. He desires to forgive. What we need to do is turn from our sin and ask for the forgiveness of God.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Thought for Today:
Unlike this world or the world’s religions, a Christian understands that sooner or later God’s justice will prevail.
Christ Portrayed:
By Elisha, who sent one of the sons of the prophets with oil to anoint Jehu (2 Kin. 9:1-6). Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to anoint believers (John 14:16-17; 16:13; Acts 1:8; compare 1 Sam. 16:13). The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth (lives) in you (1 John 2:27).
Word Studies:
9:23 treachery, treason; 9:30 tired her head, adorned her hair; 10:3 Look even out the best and meetest, Select the most capable; 10:27 draught house, public toilet.
Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that Jesus' blood has cleansed you from sin (1 John 1:7,9).
Optional Reading: Romans 7
Memory Verse for the Week: John 13:35