Hearts and Hands

"Are you in accord with me as I am in accord with you?... If so, give me your hand... Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD" (2 Kings 10.15-16, NIV).

"Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart?... If it be, give me thine hand... Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD" (KJV).

I don't understand everything about this story in the Bible, nor do I condone what Jehu was doing. The simplest way for me to process this is to realize that Jehu was simply a part of the fulfillment of the prophecy against the house of Ahab. Ahab's sins had caused his family to suffer. Be that as it may, Jehu's assignment was difficult and misunderstood. As a leader he looked for help and support where he could find it. When he happened upon Jehonadab, he found one upon whom he looked for encouragement. He must have sensed (from their past history or from Jehonadab's reaction when they met?) that Jehonadab was sympathetic to the cause of righteousness. So he said to him (paraphrased), "Is your heart right with me? Mine is with you. And with the LORD. Let's join hands in the work."

As I read this story, I was reminded that all leaders encounter hard things. When you are in a hard place, making hard decisions, doing hard works - you will need the hearts and hands of loyal and faithful friends and followers. These friends must be in your company where they can witness your zeal for the LORD and where you can witness theirs. May God grant every leader in his work the friends and followers that are necessary for the encouragement of His servant and the accomplishment of His purpose.

Many of you are those hearts and hands of support with me. Thank you. (Please continue to pray for this week's service at Sciotoville... May souls come to know Christ!) And, may God give you hearts and hands to encourage you, too.

Have a great weekend!