Daily Devotions
Misplaced Zeal
Reading for April 21st: 2 Kings 9-10
And when he departed from there, he met Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him. And he greeted him and said to him, “Is your heart true to my heart as mine is to yours?” And Jehonadab answered, “It is.” Jehu said, “If it is, give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand. And Jehu took him up with him into the chariot. And he said, “Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord.” So he had him ride in his chariot.
2 Kings 10:15-16
God anointed Jehu king and commanded him to execute his wrath against the house of Ahab by destroying all of his family (2 Kings 9:6-10). Jehu faithfully obeyed God's instructions and is not only commended for his obedience, but he is rewarded with the promise that he would have four generations to be on the throne (2 Kings 10:30).
However, as we can see in this passage, Jehu's obedience may not have come from the purest of motives. It appears that there was a lot of selfish pride involved. Perhaps this is why Jehu is later judged for the bloody massacre at Jezreel (Hosea 1:4-5).
There is a warning here for us. When we are fighting God's battles against sin and false doctrine, we must guard our hearts against self-righteous pride and arrogance.
Father, help us to fight for truth and righteousness with a spirit of humility and a zeal that is wholly focused on your honor and glory.
