Posted by Pastor Kee Sue Sing • Aug 07, 2021
Our Best Thought is a weekly devotional thoughtfully penned by leaders in DUMC arising from their daily devotions. The devotional’s title, “Our Best Thought” is taken from the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” as a reference to God: “Thou my best thought, by day or by night.” Publishes on Sundays.
Scripture:
“So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. However, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit – the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan.” (2Ki. 10:28-29)
Observation:
A series of terrible kings ruled Northern Kingdom of Israel without a break. One evil, rebellious king after another leading God’s people deeper and deeper into rebellion and idolatry. When we compare Jehu (the 10th King) to the other kings (18 in all) of Israel, we see that he was the best of a bad group. For with all the kings of Israel it was recorded that they all “did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.”
Jehu began as a commander in the army of Israel, under King Ahab and his son, King Joram. He was chosen by God and anointed by Elisha to be king of Israel and destroy the wicked house of Ahab, which was filled with Baal worshippers.
Jehu then made quick work of assassinating the current king of Israel (King Joram) as commanded, but didn’t stop there — he also assassinated the king of Judah (King Ahaziah), something not commanded. He also exterminated Baal worshippers from the land by gathering them all together in the house of Baal — and sending in men to slay them. He even ensured that worshippers of the Lord were spared.
All this was to fulfill his calling and the word God spoke against Ahab earlier in Kings. 2 Kings 10:28 summarizes this event:
“Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel.”
That’s all good, until we get to read 2 Kings 10:31 that tells us,
“Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.”
In the end, his disobedience overshadowed his accomplishments as a leader. And Morgan writes,
“How terrible a warning is the story of this man – that it is possible to be an instrument in the hand of God and yet never be in fellowship with Him.”
Application:
Here are a few personal lessons that I glean from Jehu:
1) God wants my whole heart
God doesn’t want a share of my affections and love – He wants 100%. My heart is deceitful, it is like an “idol factory” constantly churning out false gods to worship. I must therefore constantly be on the watch of worshipping something or someone other than God alone.
2) A divine calling doesn’t ensure that my life is pleasing to God
Jehu’s story, which started with a divine anointing and prophecy, teaches me that a great start doesn’t mean a good finish. I may feel a divine calling on my life, but I need to continually submit myself to the Lord and His Word with all of my heart.
3) Success can make me complacent
Jehu should have humbly thanked God for His help and rededicated himself to His service. Success can lead to pride and complacency if I am not careful. The Word of God reminds me that when I do succeed, I need to take heed that I don’t fall (1 Cor. 10:12).
Prayer:
Father, as I live in Your grace, keep me from presuming that Your faithfulness is a result of my righteousness. May I seek Your grace and righteousness to cleanse my heart, and always pursue You and Your ways. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Pastor Datuk Kee Sue Sing is Pastor of PJ North 3.
Our Best Thought is a weekly devotional that follows DUMC’s Bible Reading Plan. Posts on Sundays.