Daily Devotional for Thursday, May 8

Jehu Kills the Priests of Baal

“And it came to pass, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and slay them; let none come forth. And they smote them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal,” 2 Kings 10:25.

In our key passage today, we witness a dramatic, powerful demonstration of God’s justice through the actions of Jehu. This passage recounts Jehu’s decisive action in purging the land of Israel of the worship of Baal. It is a story that resonates with themes of obedience, zeal for God’s commands and the consequences of idolatry.

Jehu’s mission was clear: to rid the nation of Israel of the influence of Baal worship. He summoned all the worshipers and priests of Baal to a grand assembly under the guise of honoring Baal. Yet, it was a trap. Once they were gathered, Jehu’s soldiers struck swiftly, annihilating every last one of them. Not a single follower of Baal was spared, and the temple of Baal was destroyed.

Are there any “idols” in our hearts that we have allowed to take precedence over God? Idols can come in many forms: money, power, relationships or even our own desires and ambitions. Just as Jehu was relentless in his pursuit of destroying the worship of Baal, we must be equally resolute in tearing down the idols in our lives.

Jehu’s actions remind us of the consequences of idolatry. The worship of Baal led to the moral decay of Israel and incurred God’s wrath. When we allow idols to take precedence over God in our lives, we invite spiritual destruction and distance ourselves from His blessings.

CHALLENGE

May we be obedient, zealous and steadfast in our commitment to serve and worship Him alone.

Steven Ridings