SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: February, Year 2预览

Top Takeaway from Caroline Foster:

Anyone else feel like they just watched a war movie? That was intense -- to say the least. 

So let's quickly recap a few important things:

• Ahab had 70 sons. This was a significant danger to the anointed King Jehu. First, they were the descendants of Ahab and had a great interest in battling back to keep the throne of Israel among the dynasty of Omri. Second, they were in Samaria, the capital city of Israel – meaning they were away from Jehu, who killed King Joram in Jezreel.
• After they were beheaded, their heads were delivered to Jehu. The nobles were so afraid of Jehu that they were willing to send physical evidence of their obedience (even if it was gory).
• Jehu met 42 members of Ahaziah’s family and executed them.
• Jehu executed the remainder of Ahab’s family at Samaria.
• Jehu arranged a big sacrifice for Baal and had everyone who came killed, wiping out Baal worship in Israel.

But here’s the thing about Jehu: he halfway obeyed.

• Jehu carried out God’s will, but he went too far and executed more people than God intended.
• Jehu carried out God’s will, but he did it for personal glory and out of pride.
• Jehu carried out God’s will, but he only did it partially. He stopped the idolatry of Baal, but he continued the sinful idolatry of Jeroboam.

By not being 100% obedient to the law of the Lord, Jehu showed that he did not live a life of fellowship with God. He liked the success of carrying out laws and rules but was a successful failure. Isn’t it sad to think someone could be used by God but never have a relationship with Him? Jehu obeyed God with zeal, energy, and enthusiasm as much as it personally benefited him.

“Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord.” So he had him ride in his chariot. And when he came to Samaria, he struck down all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, till he had wiped them out.” 2 Kings 10:16,17 

Jehu was proud of his zeal and he desired glory for his accomplishments, so he continued to show off to Johonadab by striking down the followers of Baal and burning down the house of Baal.

Charles Spurgeon described Jehu this way: “Hating one sin he loved another, and thus proved that the fear of the Most High did not reign in his breast. He was merely a hired servant, and received the throne as his wages, but a child of God he never was.” 

So what can we learn from the life of Jehu? Here are my five top takeaways:

1. It is possible to be used by God and not have an authentic relationship with Him.

2. If success comes your way, be on guard against making your pride and self-glorification greater than God’s glory.

3. We must be careful to not pursue our goals or hobbies more than we pursue following God.

4. We can’t pick and choose what we obey. 

5. Be on guard against idols in your life and keep your eyes on Jesus!

Don’t be a successful failure, sisters. Don’t stop halfway in following God. Let’s finish well by giving God our best every single day.

Lord, I pray that You would open our eyes today to any area of our life where we may not be living in accordance to Your Word. If there is any woman praying this prayer now that does not truly know You, would You call her to Yourself, Lord? Open her eyes right now in this moment to her halfhearted obedience. I pray that You would help us to be on guard against the enemy’s attacks on our life. Help us to be focused on Your glory. If success comes, Lord, guard us from pride and self-glorification. We love You, Lord! Thank You for Your Word, our life map.  Amen.