In our reading for today, we learn in 2 Kings 9:1-3 that the prophet Elisha calls a younger prophet to go to Jehu, take him to a private place, and anoint Jehu over the northern kingdom of Israel. A straightforward task – we’ve seen this situation play out before when the prophet Samuel privately anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 9:27-10:1) and again when Samuel anointed David, the second king of Israel, with only David’s brothers in attendance (1 Samuel 16:13).
But did God tell Samuel to “Then open the door and run for your life” after he anointed Saul or David?
Years before this young prophet was given his assignment, the prophet Elijah prophesied that many people would be killed when Jehu became king (1 Kings 19:16-17). So Elisha was looking out for his young colleague, knowing that sending him to anoint Jehu wasn’t bestowing an honor on the prophet, but Elisha was deploying him on a dangerous mission. Therefore, Elisha told him to anoint Jehu and then get out of town, fast!
Can you imagine what the young prophet was thinking as he made his way to meet Jehu?
Notice Elisha tells the younger prophet that he was doing what the Lord says (2 Kings 9:3). As we read further in the chapter, we see that Joram, Ahaziah, and Jezebel do indeed die as punishment for grave sins they all committed against God’s people. God’s justice will be accomplished over time.
Have you ever had a looming task that felt daunting? Maybe you knew you needed to take a stand for integrity and honesty in your workplace or at school. Maybe you needed to stand up for someone else who was marginalized, misunderstood, or underappreciated. Maybe you needed to be the voice for someone who had no voice at the table. Maybe you needed to speak words of love and forgiveness where there were only words of hate and revenge.
Dangerous missions, just like anointing a king. Yet God will provide the strength and courage to be patient when needed and active when called!
Even if you need to lay low for a while afterward!
Questions for reflection:
- Think about a time you felt called to a dangerous assignment. What emotions did you experience? How did you handle those emotions?
- What steps should you take when you feel called to speak God’s truth into a situation?
- Do you need to be more patient when faced with a tough task from God or more active? Why?