This verse describes my golf game. People three fairways away have to duck when I hit the ball!
It also describes Jehu's life. He was a wild chariot-driver and a no-holds-barred warrior. He could kill and then sit down and eat.
Jehu was called by God to wipe out the family of Ahab, including two evil kings (Joram and Ahaziah) and Jezebel. In the midst of completing all this, he later gives a man a ride in his chariot, saying, "Come ... and see my zeal for the LORD" (2 Kings 10:16).
It breaks my heart to read that Jehu later got snared in the sins of Jeroboam (10:28-31). Why? How? Where did his "zeal for the LORD" go?
For a time, though, wild Jehu was godly and glorious.
Maybe this is your Jehu year. Maybe you're young, single, looking for direction. Or maybe you're settling. Could it be settling for a lifeless job, sin-directed friends, spiritually lackadaisical romances, or a lukewarm, mildly committed faith?
In the words of a popular cruise line commercial, "Get out there!" No, not on a pleasure cruise--on a mission trip. Join Youth with a Mission. Work with a relief agency. Do something strong and risky at your church. Step out of the box as you do something for Jesus. Show your zeal for the Lord!
Lord, I'm scared. But I'll do it. I hear you calling. Take my hand, and pull me deeper in service to you. Give me the wisdom I need to live for you--whatever it takes. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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