Wednesday, 6 July 2022

2 Kings 9:11-13 – Empowered to serve

As instructed by Elisha, the prophet intern ran as fast as he could after anointing and proclaiming to Jehu the LORD’s assignment for him. Second Kings 9:11-13, then reveal what happened when Jehu came out of the room. The captains who were with him asked him if all was well. Wanting to know what transpired in the room they asked, “Why  did this mad fellow come to you?” The way the anointing was carried out was unusual. Hence the other captains called the prophet intern a mad man.

At first, Jehu did not tell them the entire truth that he came to anoint him as king of Israel. But they could sense that he was hiding something from them. They responded by saying, “It’s a lie, tell us now.” They were literally badgering him for the answers. So Jehu ended by telling them what the intern said to him. The last part of verse 12: ‘Thus says the Lord, “I have anointed you king over Israel”’, indicates that he repeated exactly what was said to him. Hurriedly, each of them took off his own garment and spread them on the higher ground for Jehu to step on in recognition of his new position. Then they blew the trumpet and hailed loudly, “Jehu is king!” We conclude from how quickly they recognized Jehu as king, an indication of the festering dissatisfaction they had with Joram. When the moment arrived, they showed how ready they were to switch their loyalty.

One minute the other captains were calling the prophet who anointed Jehu a madman. Then the next, when told what he had said, they took his message seriously and hailed Jehu as king. One lesson for us to take away: when God calls a person to a task, he ensures that he will be recognized. Jehu was anointed to fulfill the purpose of God. Immediately the people recognized and acknowledged it. When God empowers us to do a thing, our gift will be discernible. We must not underestimate ourselves when we are empowered to fulfill God’s calling in our lives.  God will qualify us for the call. Praise His name!    

 

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