How can we discern God's calling in our lives, like Jehu in 2 Kings? The Scene of Jehu’s Call (2 Kings 9:12) “He said, ‘This is what he told me: “This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.”’” Key Observations From Jehu’s Moment • The call came from a prophetic messenger, yet its authority was unmistakably “the LORD says.” • It was specific, not vague: “king over Israel.” • It demanded immediate obedience; Jehu saddled up at once (9:13-16). • Others soon recognized the anointing (9:13)—external confirmation followed the internal word. Principles for Discerning God’s Call Today 1. Saturate in Scripture • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • God’s call never contradicts His written Word; it springs from it. 2. Seek the Spirit’s Inner Witness • Romans 8:14—“All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” • A settled, Spirit-given conviction replaces guesswork (Philippians 2:13). 3. Look for God-given Specifics • Acts 13:2—“Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” • General guidance (serve, love, give) becomes focused (which ministry, which place) in His timing. 4. Confirm Through Godly Counsel • Proverbs 15:22—“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Elisha’s student anointed Jehu; today the church and mature believers help test a leading. 5. Note Providential Circumstances • Revelation 3:8—“I have set before you an open door that no one can shut.” • Open doors, resources, and timing often align with the inward call. 6. Expect Fruit and Endurance • John 15:16—“I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain.” • A genuine call produces spiritual results and perseverance despite opposition (2 Timothy 4:5). A Scriptural Pattern of Calling • Moses (Exodus 3)—God speaks, gives a mission, confirms with signs. • Samuel (1 Samuel 3)—Persistent divine voice confirmed by Eli. • Isaiah (Isaiah 6)—Vision of God, personal cleansing, clear commission. • Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-10)—Word of the LORD, specific task, reassurance. • Paul (Acts 9)—Encounter with Christ, prophetic confirmation (Ananias), lifelong fruit. Guardrails Against Misreading a “Call” • Beware self-promotion (James 3:14-16). • Test every spirit (1 John 4:1). • Wait for God’s timing—David was anointed years before crowned (1 Samuel 16; 2 Samuel 5). • Remain teachable; a genuine call deepens humility (Micah 6:8). Living Out the Call With Jehu-Like Boldness • Act promptly when confirmation is clear (2 Kings 9:14-16). • Rely on God’s authority, not personal ambition (v. 26). • Fulfill the assignment fully—Jehu executed judgment as commanded (chs. 9-10). • Yet guard your heart; partial obedience later cost Jehu (10:31). Finish well (2 Timothy 4:7). Anchoring Our Hearts • Hebrews 13:20-21—God equips us “with every good thing to do His will.” • Stay in the Word, in prayer, in fellowship; the same LORD who clearly called Jehu still speaks, guides, and empowers today. |
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