2 Kings 9:1–13 ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ (v3)
If we take on a new job or a new project, we might have to attend to some unfinished matters left from colleagues or volunteers who are no longer involved.
We might feel upset that things weren’t done properly, but they still need doing. Elijah also left some unfinished business.
When the Lord spoke to him in a gentle whisper (1 Kgs 19:9– 18), Elijah received instructions for the Lord’s goal of overthrowing Baal worship.
But a command Elijah didn’t follow through on was to anoint Jehu as king, so God had to find someone else to take up the matter. This turned out to be Elisha.
Kings weren’t often anointed in the Old Testament, but two notable exceptions are David, anointed by Samuel (1 Sam. 16:1–13), and Solomon, David’s son who was anointed by Zadok the priest (1 Kgs 1:38–50).
Jehu’s anointing follows David’s in that it’s done in secret – probably so that Jehu can determine the most strategic moment to announce his kingship.
The narrative follows without surprises, and the unfinished business of Elijah is now complete. God’s desire for His people to follow Him unreservedly now will not be hindered by an apostate king.
(Although, as we will see later on, King Jehu followed God initially, but then he too lost his way.) This account is another reminder of God’s power to work in the lives of His people, and how He’s not limited by our failures.
This message also serves as a warning, but as a reassurance too, that God will work His redemptive means in His world, no matter what.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Father God, sometimes I fail to follow Your nudges, sometimes out of fear and sometimes out of disobedience. Forgive me, and give me courage to follow Your voice. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Pray for world leaders, and especially the leaders in your country, that they would be just and wise.
Scripture To Consider:
Josh. 21:43–45; Ezek. 12:26–28; Gal. 6:9–10; Phil. 1:3–6
