2 Kings 10:31
Yet Jehu was not careful to keep the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam, which he had caused Israel to commit.
As a mom, one of the most irritating yet overly used call in the house is that two-letter word NO. Believe me, I’m trying my best here to do positive reinforcements. But it seems our human eyes are quicker to see another’s faults. I’m excluding issues of self-righteousness, criticism, and condemnation here. We all hate appearances of sin, especially in our children, right? So as much as possible, while their will is still pliable, discipline runs in the house. We offer no grace for a lie, a rebellious snarl, or in hitting their siblings. I’m sure while reading this, you’re happy I’m not your mom, hahaha :>
God was right in choosing Jehu for the task of destroying Ahab’s family. He was thorough in abolishing all that smelled and looked Baal. From top royalty, down to their sons and grandsons, all close friends, chief men and priests, to even the sacred pillars in the temple, Jehu left no survivor nor stone in the slaughter. He accomplished God’s justice to the dot. Total and thorough. Baal worship was finally abolished in Israel. God commended him for a job done well. His reward was a son on the throne to the fourth generation. Not bad. But not the best either. Compared to David who was promised a kingly line forever. What’s the difference? Although they both fought for God’s honor, David had a heart fully devoted to God. His zeal in the battlefield matched his fervor to worship in God’s temple. Jehu was not careful in keeping God’s law with all his heart. He may have smashed the wrong gods, but not the wrong worship. He followed Jeroboam’s sin of setting up an image to represent the Lord. And so his reign, although it lasted for twenty eight years, had nothing more notetaking except that it suffered overpowering attacks from Hazael, reducing Israel’s territory. He could have done more given his initial credentials.
Rebuking and correcting is just half of what the Scripture is all about. The second half mentions teaching and training. Someone may say, ‘I’m not a murderer, not an adulterer, not a thief. That makes me a good person, right?’ What if God says, ‘Great defense. Not let’s hear about your shots.‘ Zealousness against sin should be balanced with that fire to pursue righteousness. Visually, that’s a 180 degree turn then a straight line ahead. My personal take home is to be a parent who will be thorough and thoughtful of my kids’ character and growth. Not necessarily letting go of the NO issues, but to install (and instill) the YES factors too. 2 Peter reverbs loud now: ‘Make every effort to add to your faith goodness.. and knowledge.. and self-control.. and perseverance.. and godliness.. and brotherly kindness.. and love’. Now, that's a great parenting curriculum!
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