July 5

July 5

Jehu (Northern King 28 years) -- Jehu kills Ahab's family according to Elijah's prophecy.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: 2 Kings 9

Reading 2: 2 Kings 10

Reading 3: Hosea 1:2-5

Elisha sets in motion the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy concerning Ahab and Jezebel. He sends a prophet to anoint Jehu as Israel's new king. The events which follow show that Jehu is willing to obey the Lord fully and to rid Israel of the evil brought in by Ahab and Jezebel. Yet, he did not follow God wholeheartedly, so in the end, he is judged too.

When it is time to clean house, those who love God will be bold to reject all evil and bring God's righteousness in its place. Hosea did this when he married Gomer and named their son Jezreel, a prophetic forecast of God's judgment on Jehu.

There is a great cost to disobeying God, but God is patient to bring us to repentance and restoration if we are willing.

Have a great day!

Mark.