Obedient to the Word

"He arose and went into the house, and he poured the oil on his head and said to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, "I have anointed you king over the people of the LORD, even over Israel."'"  - 2 Kings 9:6 


Throughout the Bible, anointing confirmed that a person had been set apart for God's service, called to accomplish a special task. Anointing also symbolized the presence of the Holy Spirit to provide God's power and gifts.
      We see this anointing at work in the life of Jehu. God sent the prophet Elisha to find Jehu and anoint him as king. After the anointing, Elisha told Jehu that his assignment was to "strike the house of Ahab," so God could "avenge the blood of My servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD" (v. 7).
      Jehu took his task seriously and completed his assignment. He eliminated not only Ahab's family, but also Baal worship in Israel. What a promising beginning!
      But though he had been called and anointed by God, Jehu later gave himself to idol worship, worshiping "the golden calves that were at Bethel and that were at Dan" (2 Kings 10:29). He even led Israel into further idol worship.
      In the end, Jehu "was not careful to walk in the law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart" (2 Kings 10:31). Yes, he was zealous. And for a time he faithfully focused on God's call. But in spite of being anointed, he turned aside, straying from full devotion to God.
      Jehu's example is a warning to all of us. Everyone can be tempted. No one is immune from the possibility of compromising in their obedience to God-even those who know Him, serve Him, and are anointed to serve Him.
      Make sure to base your life on God's Word. Be alert to temptation. Cultivate an intimate relationship with Him, and stay sensitive to His Spirit.