How does Jehu's zeal for God inspire our commitment to righteousness today? Setting the Scene • “Now Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. So Jehu wrote letters and sent them to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to the guardians of Ahab’s children…” (2 Kings 10:1). • Jehu has just been anointed king (2 Kings 9). His mission: execute God’s judgment on the house of Ahab and eradicate Baal worship. • The letter in 10:1 is the first practical move—public, decisive, and fearless. It signals uncompromising allegiance to God’s revealed will. Jehu’s Zeal in Action • 2 Kings 10:16: “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” • 2 Kings 10:18–28: gathers the prophets of Baal and destroys the temple, “Thus Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel.” • Zeal here means a burning passion to defend God’s honor and uphold His word, even when it collides with powerful cultural norms. What Made His Zeal Righteous? • Founded on God’s explicit command (1 Kings 19:17; 2 Kings 9:6–10). • Demonstrated promptly—no stalling or bargaining (compare Psalm 119:60). • Public and influential—letters, chariots, temple purge: zeal that moves others. • Costly—confronts royal families, entrenched religion, potential civil war. How Jehu’s Example Speaks to Us Today • Righteous zeal still begins with clear Scripture, not personal preference. • It refuses half-hearted compromise. Romans 12:11: “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” • It acts—letters sent, idols torn down. Titus 2:14 calls believers “zealous for good deeds.” • It seeks societal impact. Matthew 5:16 urges visible good works that glorify the Father. • It reminds us that zeal is a stewardship: God entrusts us with influence in families, workplaces, churches. Guardrails for Our Zeal • Whole-heart obedience. Jehu later “was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD… with all his heart” (2 Kings 10:31). Zeal without sustained obedience fizzles. • Humility. James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God.” Submission keeps zeal from pride. • Love. 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Let all that you do be done in love.” Zeal and love are not rivals. Practical Steps Toward Zealous Righteousness 1. Identify one area where culture pressures you to compromise—name it, like Jehu named Baal. 2. Anchor your stance in clear passages—write them out and keep them visible. 3. Take a decisive step this week: a conversation, a habit change, the removal of a stumbling block. 4. Invite accountability—“Come with me and see my zeal” can translate to a friend or small group. 5. Review your motives in prayer and Scripture, guarding against self-righteousness. 6. Celebrate small victories; Jehu’s letter was one step in a longer campaign. Verses to Meditate On This Week • Psalm 69:9 “Zeal for Your house has consumed me.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16 “Be holy in all you do.” Zeal that springs from God’s word, moves to courageous action, and remains tethered to love and humility will keep His people shining bright with righteousness today. |
    |