28/08/2015 - JEHU´S MISTAKE

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Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit. 2 Kings 10:31

Jehu was a captain of the army of Israel, known for his speed. He was not irresponsible, but was in a hurry to get to where he was sent and do the right thing. One day, the prophet Elisha told a young prophet to anoint Jehu the king of Israel. This captain had no intentions to be a king, but as a soldier of God, once he was called upon, he did not leave it for later. When he took hold of it, he was faithful to the command he received. 

He did everything almost perfectly: however, he did not take in consideration a terrible sin of Jeroboam, the first to govern the kingdom of the North, now called Israel. The mistake of this king was the reason why the Most High judged and condemned him. The Lord wanted to make of Jeroboam a second David, but the son of Nebat did not understand this. The same thing happened to Jehu, who inexplicably did not destroy the golden calves. 

Whoever assumes a position in the divine work has the obligation of seeking with the Most High the reason why his predecessor was substituted. However, Jehu, who fulfilled almost all the Lord´s orders, by destroying Ahab´s house and exterminating the worship of Baal, did not stay away from Jeroboam’s iniquities. That is why Jehu heard that God would only honor his descendants to the fourth generation. (2 Kings 15:12).

The Most High allowed four generations of Jehu´s descendants to reign over Israel because of His goodness. However, because his children did not seek God´s help, who is extremely merciful, the prophecy over Jehu´s house was fulfilled. Jehoahaz was the first and governed for 17 years, and his son Jehoash ruled for 16 years. Following him, Jeroboam II reigned for 41 years, and his son Zacariah reigned for 6 months. 

The saga of those that disobey the Lord will always be sad, and their fate, melancholy. Not one king who truly respected the Most High was found in Israel. We probably see this in many places; but, as usual, those who make use of fraud do not remain in the house of God. This is a lesson that fits all, for the wage of sin is death – separation from God – and divine gift is eternal life (Romans 6:23). 

Jehu´s four generations should have known that his bad example caused him to be scolded and lose the blessing of also being a second David. Besides this, they also did not seek the Most High with all their heart. Be careful! He who makes a mistake and remains silent will be condemned to eternal torment; after all, there is no forgiveness without repent. 

It is important to pay attention to all details of God´s commands left in the Scriptures, so that His people may fulfill them without transgressing. It would be good if you reflected at this moment and if you remember any wrongdoing – small or big – seek the person you harmed and make amends with her. 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares