“Who is on my side?”
Summary: Being in one kingdom or another is sometimes a matter of choice. Being forced to make that choice can be a terrifying thing.
Being confronted by a king is a matter of being confronted with a choice. When the kingdom of God comes near, we have to decide whose side we are on. There is a story in the book of Second Kings that illustrates this well.
In the days of the kings of Israel and Judah, after Solomon had broken faith with God and worshiped other gods, there was a continual struggle. Some who came into power served God, but many did not. Because God is “King of kings” (1 Timothy 6: 15), he ordains who remains in authority and who does not.
(It is important to keep in mind that when God determines this person or that one will be king, his choices are limited. Even Solomon, who had every advantage given to him, was a failed king. That is why the ten tribes of the north were taken away from Solomon’s descendants (1 Kings 11:31).)
In the story (2 Kings 9), Jehu (pronounced “yay-hoo”) is anointed king by a representative of Elisha the prophet, speaking for God. At the time, Jehu is a commander in the army of Israel. After Elisha’s messenger leaves him, his companions want to know what he was told. When he reveals what the message was, they proclaim him king. Even though the current king, Joram son of Ahab, was the established king, God’s hand was against him because of his sin.
Jehu didn’t ask to be king. He didn’t plot to be king. But once God lit a fire under him, he assumed the role of king. As king, his first task was to eliminate Joram. His second was to eliminate Joram’s mother, Jezebel.
Jehu lost no time, but took the men with him and headed to the place where Joram was; the city of Jezreel. As he approached the city, Joram ordered a messenger to go out and see what Jehu wanted.
“Do you come in peace?” the messenger asked.
Jehu replied, “What do you have to do with peace? Fall in behind me.”
At that moment, the messenger is confronted with a choice between two kings. Whom will he serve? His life depends on the answer.
Later, after killing Joram, Jehu confronts Jezebel. She calls to him from a high window. His answer is not to her, but to the eunuchs standing beside her.
“Who is on my side? Who?” he demands. “Throw her down!”
Once again, people are confronted with a terrible choice. Do they face the wrath of this man of God in the chariot below, or do they turn on the only authority they have known?
When the kingdom of God comes near, we have a similar choice to make. Do we obey God, or do we rely on human authorities?
Application: It is best to be well prepared for the big choices in life by studying God’s Word.
Food for Thought: If God calls on us to confront established authority, what qualities are required of us?
1 Peter 2: 17 reminds us that we fear only God, but we do treat everyone with high regard, including honoring the king. 1 Timothy 2: 1 – 4 tells us to pray for those in authority – including for their salvation. The great commandment tells us to love God and others as ourselves. Micah 6: 8 tells us to act justly, love mercy and walk in humility with God.
So qualities required to appropriately confront authority would include fearing God over government, being loving, respectful and humble as we do so. Praying for those we are confronting and sharing the gospel truth with them.
Nice summation Rich. Thanks!
Nothing but the name of Jesus,…
That works, too, John. Thanks! 🙂
If God calls on us to confront established authority, what qualities are required of us?
………all the qualities R mentioned… ….. and any others that the Holy Spirit guides us to use.
“Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 13:11
Well said, Tim.