There are times when we need to open the door of our hearts and run! I was sitting quietly in prayer this morning after reading this chapter and my devotionals. It has been a disconcerting week of uncertainty and intermingled within concerns for loved ones, the needs of others I love so immediate and needing of God’s hand surge forward. In the quiet with Him I envisioned a stream with beautiful stepping stones lighting the way that I could step onto. The evening light was comforting and there is a sense of soft, beautiful lights of different colors gleaming. Stepping stones of God’s Truth that never lead us astray but guide us securely to Him. His love is the beacon and light shining His goodness and how we need His goodness!

In this chapter, 2 Kings 9, Elisha has sent a man from the company of prophets to go to Jehu and anoint his head with oil and give him God’s word that he will be king of Israel and then run! Don’t delay! v. 1-13. Why run and don’t delay? Because Jehu has been tasked to destroy the house of Ahab and powerful Jezebel will die. Elisha knows it will not be safe for the prophet because Jehu will carry out what swiftly what he has been tasked to do. As Jehu in his chariot approaches the city of Jezreel where the kings of Israel and Judah are, horsemen approach him to ask if he comes in peace. “How can there be peace,” Jehu replied, “as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” v. 22. Both kings die from arrows, Jezebel dies after falling from a window as she taunts Jehu. “This is the word of the Lord that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh. Jezebel’s body will be like dung on the ground in the plot at Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say, ‘This is Jezebel.’” v. 36-37.

Did that bring an end to idolatry in Israel? How about in our own hearts?

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3.

What truth, what stepping stone, can we hold onto? “You have heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” John 14:28-31.

Jesus came to show us the Father’s love. He obeyed utterly in great love for the Father and for us. To restore us who have been so broken. He showed us what it is to be human and what it is to be God. And what did God do? He laid down His life for us. Stepping stones of treasures of His wisdom and knowledge to guide us to Him who loves us. He’s here. Always.