Thus Jehu eradicated Baal out of Israel. However, as for the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin, from these Jehu did not depart, even the golden calves that were at Bethel and that were at Dan. (2 Kings 10:28-29)
This week we begin our journey with a shout of victory. King Jehu of Israel eradicates Baalism, killing the prophets, burning the images, and turning the temple into a public latrine. But in the midst of such victory, once again we hear the word, “However.” Yes, once again we are confronted with the big “BUT.” By the time Jehu became king, the golden calves had become steeped in his tradition. Although God told Jehu that He was pleased with his deeds, the lingering compromise eventually got the better of him and he “did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel sin.”
Why didn’t Jehu complete what he had started? Why was he content to only go so far and then stop? We might find the answer if we search our own hearts and lives. I know it has caused me to do some soul searching. There are many things we embrace in Christianity that come from pagan roots. They have been adopted and refashioned as Christian symbols, and yet are of pagan origin. It is often difficult to explain why we don’t wear, have or do certain things because you are often considered fanatic or radical. It is not the world that often marks you, but those within the church. I’ve often wondered what the church would look like if all pagan mixture were eradicated. If the Holy Spirit were to start housecleaning in the House of God, I wonder how we would react if He began to touch some of our sacred cows?!?!
As our gaze moves from the King’s Highway in Israel, we find extensive road construction on the Highway in Judah! Athaliah, the power hungry daughter of King Ahab of Israel, now seizes power in Judah. Compromise and making friends with this world will sooner or later run its full course!!! Although the king had married himself to the family of Ahab, the king’s daughter was married to the man of God! There is a real lesson that urges us to be careful what we allow ourselves to become yoked to. There is so much that could be said, but I will allow you to meditate on that for yourselves.
Jehosheba, the sister of Ahaziah, the assassinated king, knew the only safe place to hide his infant son was in the Lord’s presence. At six years old, when most boys are learning to ride bikes and play king of the hill, Jehoash is anointed and declared king of Judah. Instead of a toy sword or a comic book, Jehoash is given a scepter and a copy of the law. For the rest of Jehoiada’s lifetime, he carries governmental influence over Johoash and brings major reform to the kingdom of Judah. As amazing as these changes were, we find ourselves running into the big “BUT” once again.
And Jehoash did right in the sight of the LORD all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Only the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. (2 Kings 12:2-3)
Whether “but” is spelled “however,” or “only,” they all mean the same thing. The word “but” is “used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned.” (New American Heritage Dictionary) “He did right, BUT …,” “He did good, BUT…,” In each case, it show a failure to reach the ultimate goal; total sanctification. It makes me wonder what my epitaph will read.Paul is a good example of one who didn’t want to find the word “but” in his memorial statement!
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
If only Jehoash’s story ended there, but unfortunately it didn’t. After Jehoiada’s death, the righteous influence Jehoash had experienced all his life was gone. Now it was time to see what he was really made of! Was he merely one driven by the influence of others, or were the actions and decisions he made truly done out of his own convictions. We quickly see that Jehoash was a man that was easily swayed and the worship of Asherah poles is reinstated. Sigh!!!
On Wednesday we watch the bridge wash out. Elisha’s last prophecy was anything but good! Israel’s defeat of Syria would be short lived! BUT the saddest part of our journey on Wednesday is to see the ongoing division amongst the people of God. How sad!
We are in for a real adventure on Thrusday!!! Grab your swim fins and snorkel as we head out on an incredible journey with Jonah, the mighty man of God with the word of God in his mouth and anger and resentment in his heart. When God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah hops a ship in the opposite direction. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria. As we continue our journey, it will become increasingly clear why Jonah had no desire to bring God’s word to this city. Nineveh was one of the oldest cities on the planet, having been founded by Nimrod centuries earlier. The worship of Istar was founded here. This fertility goddess took on many forms and many names. At times she was Istar, other times she was referred to as Nina and was written in the character for “fish.” No coincidence that God had Jonah swallowed up by one! Today the city of Nineveh lies across from Mogul in Iraq. For centuries, Nineveh lay on the east side of the Tigris River and Mogul lay on the west. But as Mogul expanded on both east and west banks, it now has engulfed the site of ancient Nineveh. The maps below will aid you in discerning our location. Both Nineveh and Tarsus can be found. But why did Jonah head to Tarsus. That was also in the borders of the Assyrian Empire? Centuries and many conquests later, Tarsus became the birth place of Saul of Tarsus who, after a face to face encounter with the Risen King, became Paul the apostle. Ahhhh, such delicious food for thought!!!
Jonah’s life is a pertinent message that speaks to the heart of every person who says they want to do the will of God, and then has God give them a mission they are less than pleased with. Three times Jonah prays to die, yet when he is truly dying, he prays to live.
One of the beautiful things I’ve learned about God from Jonah’s fish tale is that God will go to extremes to teach a lesson. God prepares a plant, a worm, and a scorching wind just so He can bring Jonah understanding. Now that’s a Teacher who truly cares!!!
Although the city of Nineveh repents, we will soon discover that their allegiance to YHWH is short-lived. God looks at the nations surrounding Israel and Judah and the influence they have had on His people and promises judgment. God looks at His own kids and knows that His justice must be met out to them as well. The storm clouds are gathering. God has spoken and judgment will come!
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Trail Guide
Using the map below:
1. Find Jerusalem
2. Find Samaria
3. Find Nineveh
4. Find Tarsus
5. Find Babylon
6. Using a current map of the area (you can find one on the Internet), find Mogul in Iraq
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