What can we learn from Jehu's urgency in fulfilling God's commands today? The scene: Jehu’s furious driving “Again the watchman reported, ‘He has reached them, but he is not coming back either. And the driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a madman.’” (2 Kings 9:20) Jehu’s chariot wheels throw up dust across the plain of Jezreel. Prophecy hangs over him, judgment awaits Ahab’s house, and Jehu refuses to inch forward—he tears across the landscape “like a madman,” wholly intent on finishing what God has started. Why Jehu moved with urgency • He believed the word of the Lord delivered by Elisha’s messenger (2 Kings 9:6-10). • He understood the moment was divinely appointed; delay would give the enemy time to regroup. • He carried the weight of fulfilled prophecy—God had promised justice for Naboth’s blood (1 Kings 21:17-24; 2 Kings 9:26). • He saw himself as God’s instrument and rightly feared disobedience more than earthly opposition. Timeless lessons for today • Obedience is time-sensitive. – Psalm 119:60: “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” – Deferred obedience often becomes disobedience. • God’s Word demands decisive action, not endless debate. – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Spiritual zeal pleases the Lord when anchored to Scripture. – 2 Kings 10:16: “Come and see my zeal for the LORD.” – Romans 12:11: “Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” • Courage grows as we focus on God’s command, not human obstacles. – Joshua 1:9 reminds us to “be strong and courageous,” and Jehu lived that command on dusty roads. • Prophecy fulfilled in history proves God’s reliability; it motivates present-day faithfulness. Guarding against reckless zeal Jehu’s zeal toppled Baal worship, yet he later kept Jeroboam’s golden calves (2 Kings 10:28-31). Urgency must stay tethered to wholehearted devotion. • Test motives: Is this about God’s glory or personal ambition? • Submit zeal to continual Scripture review—truth keeps passion on track. • Remember that finishing well matters as much as starting fast (2 Timothy 4:7). Putting urgency into practice 1. Identify the clear commands already revealed—love your neighbor, flee immorality, forgive quickly. Start there. 2. Set a “no-delay” habit: when the Spirit prompts through Scripture, act within 24 hours if possible. 3. Trim distractions that slow obedience (Hebrews 12:1). 4. Surround yourself with believers who spur you on (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Measure success by faithfulness, not applause; Jehu obeyed before anyone could affirm him. A call to ride hard for the King Jehu’s wheels clattered across Jezreel because God had spoken. Today, the same authoritative voice calls us to swift, joyful obedience. Let the dust we kick up testify that we, too, “drive like Jehu” when God’s Word sends us on mission. |
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