How should we respond to skepticism about God's plans, as seen in 2 Kings 9:11? Setting the Scene – 2 Kings 9:11 “Then Jehu went out to the servants of his master, and one asked him, ‘Is everything all right? Why did this madman come to you?’ And he said to them, ‘You know the man and his talk.’ ” Why the Skepticism? • The officers know prophets speak for God, yet they dismiss the messenger as a “madman.” • God’s plan—to remove the wicked house of Ahab—sounds reckless and impossible to them. • Skepticism masks fear of change and reluctance to submit to God’s disruptive, righteous purposes. Responding to Skepticism: Lessons from Jehu • Calm composure – Jehu answers without panic. Staying steady shows confidence in God’s word. (cf. Isaiah 7:4) • Discern timing – He withholds full details until hearts are ready, avoiding needless argument. (cf. Proverbs 15:23) • Move to obedience – After brief explanation, Jehu acts immediately on the prophet’s command. Faith responds with action, not debate. (James 2:17) Broader Biblical Counsel 1. Expect ridicule – “Scoffers will come, following their own evil desires.” (2 Peter 3:3–4) – “The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) 2. Anchor in revealed truth – “Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) – “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89) 3. Give a reasoned answer, seasoned with grace – “Always be prepared to give an answer… yet with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6) 4. Act in courageous obedience – “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) – “Be strong and very courageous… do not turn from it to the right or to the left.” (Joshua 1:7) 5. Trust outcomes to God – “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) – “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act.” (Psalm 37:5) Practical Steps for Today • Stay attuned to Scripture before speaking; know what God actually says. • Respond to skeptics without irritation; sincerity disarms cynicism. • Share personal testimony of God’s faithfulness—stories outshine arguments. • Surround yourself with believers who bolster faith rather than feed doubt. • Keep moving in obedience even when doubters linger; results validate God’s plan. Scriptures to Memorize When Doubt Swirls • Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” • Romans 1:16 – “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” • Psalm 56:3–4 – “When I am afraid, I will trust in You… In God I trust; I will not fear.” Hold the prophetic word firmly, answer skeptics gently, and keep obeying boldly—just as Jehu did when the doubters called the prophet a madman. |
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