Daily Devotional for Friday, May 9

The Assurance to Jehu

“And the Lord said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in mine heart, thy children of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel,” 2 Kings 10:30.

God successfully eradicated state-sponsored Baal worship from the Northern Kingdom when Jehu executed judgment on King Joram and many members of Ahab’s extended family. This form of idolatry was not practiced nationally in northern Israel after Ahab’s death. 

However, Jehu’s heart was not right with the Lord. No one can question his zeal. But even when doing God’s work, zeal is just selfish passion unless it is motivated by a heart that loves and desires to glorify God. Jehu cared more about his own success, than glorifying God. Not only did he continue to permit the worship of the golden calves in Beth-el and Dan, he also went beyond God’s instructions and acted with cruelty and pride while executing God’s mission. By promoting these false centers of worship and seeking his own recognition, Jehu proved his heart was far from being right with God. 

Despite Jehu’s selfish motives, God did reward him for his obedience. God promised Jehu that his descendants would rule over Israel’s Northern Kingdom for four generations. Jehu reigned for twenty-eight years (2 Kings 10:36). Upon his death, his son, Jehoahaz ruled over Israel for seventeen years (2 Kings 13:1). Joash, Jehoahaz’s son, succeeded his father and reigned for sixteen years (2 Kings 13:10). When Joash died, his son, Jeroboam II ruled Israel as king for forty-one years (2 Kings 14:23). The son of Jeroboam II, Zechariah, assumed the throne when his father died, but ruled just six months. God’s promise of four generations was fulfilled, but sadly Israel suffered greatly under these leaders.

REFLECTION

God rewards the obedience of His children; however, how much greater the rewards will be when we obey with our heart for the honor and glory of God!

Karen Meigs