Maybe, we think that we are doing all the right things.
Ministering. Missional. Madmen.
How do we know we are right?
How do we know that what we do this day is really for God?
Jehu was anointed by God. A madman ran in and told Jehu ... and ran right out. Sometimes prophets are called a little out of their mind. Jehu's life tells a compelling story---he destroyed the house of Ahab---so zealous for God. But there's so much more than living a zealous life, a successful life, a missional life. We are here for God, not to build our do-good world. There's a telling verse about Jehu, II Kings 10:31, reveals "Jehu wasn't careful to walk in the law of the LORD with all his heart." Oh, how this makes me want to finish well. Sin is never the way of peace ~ Isaiah 57:21.
And the verse I take away from this passage and will hold dear:
It's a quote from the life of Jehu desiring to walk with his friend in unity.
It's a question we must ask ourselves.
“Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?” II Kings 10:15
OVERVIEW: II Kings 9-11
Image: Library of Congress. http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsc.07478
One of the things I love about God's Word is that it does not contradict itself. God provides a way in which we can follow Him that is consistent and true, When we take up His Cause, we must also seek the Mind of Christ in all our ways. Our hearts must be totally taken over by His Love. Jehu worked to destroy Baal, and it was pleasing to the Lord, but he didn't allow his heart to be examined and sanctified to follow the Lord carefully. He didn't depart from the sins that surrounded him.
ReplyDelete"But Jehu ]was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel sin."
Wow. We can win one for the Lord, and still not serve Him. Details matter. Depart from sin. Devote your whole hearts.
The Buddhist believes in peace, but trains in martial arts to kill when struck. I don't understand proclaiming peace and yet always being ready to act with war. In the Bible, God says love well. And when someone strikes you on the cheek, turn the other cheek for him to strike also. You believe in peace? Practice peace. You believe in love? Practice love.
Consistent following requires consistent hearts that are not duplicitous. Sin can get us if we are not careful to walk in law of the Lord.
Purify our hearts, Lord. Set us apart We give you our whole hearts, not pieces here and there. May we serve you with each and every breath, every moment for our entire lives.
Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart? II Kings 10:15, How many Christians (myself included) have left a Living Proof weekend or a retreat on the mountain top with God only to leave the parking lot, become offended with someone's driving and call them a jerk or think idiot!
ReplyDeleteWe must set our eyes and mind on Jesus and whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
As I age, it is MUCH easier to let the small stuff roll off my back. I truly want to serve Him w/ all my mind, heart, soul, and strength.