God Speaks
The Beginnings or Ends of the Reigns of Jehu, Joram in Israel, Ahaziah, Atheliah and Joash in Judah, Including the Deaths of Ahab’s Family and Jezebel
Verse of the Day: Jehu got up and went into the house. Then the prophet [sent by Elisha] poured the oil on Jehu’s head and declared, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anoint you king over God’s people Israel. You are to destroy the house of Ahab, your master, and I will avenge the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all of the LORD’s servants shed by Jezebel. . . . ‘ [All quotes in original.] (2 Kings 9:6-7 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection
Consider the following questions regarding 2 Kings 9-11
> 1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
> 2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
2 Kings 9-10 [These two chapters focus on Jehu carrying out the prophetic judgment of the LORD against the family of Ahab and Jezebel given by Elijah carried out by Elisha. They will be treated as a unit.]
1. God will use anyone He chooses to carry out His will, if they will obey His instructions.
2. The people God uses to achieve His purposes are not always “nice”.
2 Kings 11
1. God protects His chosen people from evil plots against them.
2. Evil people like Athaliah and Jezebel are likely to meet a violent end as each of them did.
Prayer
> 3. How might I pray regarding 2 Kings 9-11?
Dear Father God, You are the ultimate source of justice and righteousness. The cruelty and vengeance that Jehu displayed as he went about executing members of Ahab and Jezebel’s family seems very harsh to us in 21st century America. But, You know people’s hearts and inclinations much more deeply than we humans can know each other. Jehu was only carrying out the death sentences that had previously been announced against Ahab, Jezebel, Joram, Ahaziah and Ahab’s 70 sons for their prostitution, witchcraft, murder, idolatry and other anti-God behavior. O Just God, in your justice remember mercy when You consider me and my nation. Thank You again for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for my sins and for anyone who will turn to You alone in repentance and faith. You have rescued me from certain (eternal) death just as Jehosheba rescued Joash from Athaliah’s murderous take over of the government of Judah in Jerusalem. Thank You for keeping me safe in Christ Jesus just as Joash and Jehosheba found safety in the temple for six years. Thank You for the spiritual mentors You have provided to guide me and train me in the scriptures and prayer just as Jehoiada guarded, guided and trained Joash. May I carry through with the covenant I have with You and work with others to tear down strongholds of anti-God activity. May I and multitudes of others in this nation and around the world make Jesus king in our lives. Then we will experience true peace, rejoice and glorify You, LORD. AMEN
Action
(Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
> 4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 2 Kings 9-11?
With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will pray for wicked people I know to repent and receive God’s mercy and grace.
- I will lovingly discipline children I know so that they might become good not wicked people.
- I will train children I know in the word and ways of the LORD.
- I will work with organizations like Operation Underground Railroad to rescue children (and adults) from human trafficking.
Share
I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.