2
Kings chapter 9 describes the inevitable judgment of God. Many of us
have experienced the patience and mercy of God in our own lives. I
believe God’s heart is expressed clearly in 2 Peter 3:9, “not
wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance“.
But scripture is clear that a day of judgment will come. Psalm 103:
8-9 explains,
“The
Lord is
merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He
will not always strive with
us,
Nor will He keep His
anger
forever“.
Throughout this chapter everything is done with urgency. The
chapter begins with the prophet Elisha sending a messenger to anoint
a new king over Israel.
“Tuck
your cloak into your belt, take this flask of oil with you… When
you get there, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat… Then take the
flask and pour the oil on his head and declare, ‘This is what the
Lord says: I anoint you king over Israel’. Then open the door and
run; don’t delay!”
Sometimes we get so busy with the cares of the day that we need a
firm reminder of God’s priorities.
This
unnamed messenger gave more details to the new king, “You
are to destroy the house of Ahab… I will avenge the blood of My
servants the prophets… shed by Jezebel. The whole house of Ahab
will perish… As for Jezebel, dogs will devour her on the plot of
ground at Jezreel, and no one will bury her“.
Remember Jezebel and Ahab were wicked rulers. They had completely
rejected God and succeeded in turning the nation to idolatry. Upon
hearing of his anointing, we see the respect given to the new king,
“Jehu
is king!”
As the new king approached the palace messengers were sent to find
out his intentions. Each asked, “Do
you come in peace?”
He replied to each, “What
do you have to do with peace? Fall in behind me.”
I believe God allows us to feel troubled when we are not in harmony
with His Spirit as a way to draw us to Himself. Are you troubled?
Philippians 4:6 is for you. “Be
anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the
peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus“.
With
no other options, the king was forced to investigate for himself. As
he approached, he too asked if Jehu had come in peace. And he
answered without hesitation. “How
can there be peace, as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of
your mother Jezebel abound?”
After the kings are defeated, Jehu turned to Jezebel. She taunted
him from a window in the city gate, but he asked of those servants
that were with her. “Who
is on my side?”
Then we see just how much she is respected, “Two
or three eunuchs… threw her down, and some of her blood spattered
the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot“.
All of the prophecy concerning the house of Ahab was fulfilled. If
you are in need of God’s peace, remember Elisha’s exhortation,
“Don’t
Delay!“