When the doorbell rings at my house, I don't rush to answer it. Maybe it's a sign of the times. Maybe it's that I don't have that many friends who typically pop in, unannounced. But to be honest, we don't live in the world of June and Ward Cleaver. She, with her pearls and tray of cookies. He, with his kind, quirky smile and always crisp white shirt and tie. We no longer live where it's safe to just leave the door unlocked so neighbors can actually walk in the back door unannounced to borrow a cup of sugar. No, when the doorbell rings at my house, I become strangely curious, and we all get kind of quiet inside. For if it was someone we knew, they wouldn't even make it half-way up the sidewalk without texting us first. Which is why I vote to re-instate the watchtower. You know, so you could climb up high and look out over your home to see who is coming, who is out there... if there's safety all around. But I think the neighbors would consider me crazy if I started building one. Maybe even paranoid. I guess that's why people install security cameras. But I prefer the grandeur of the tower. Kings and castles have towers. Today we even got a report from one... Now a watchman stood on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came, and said, “I see a company of men.” 2 Kings 9:17 NKJV There were two kings gathered together at Jezreel. King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. These, the northern and southern kingdoms divided, that now seemed to be acting somewhat as allies. And they had just come home for a bit of rest and recovery, as Joram was injured in battle against the Syrians. And these kings were not expecting company. So just as when my doorbell rings, this alert from the watchman caused them concern. So they asked for reports from him. Surely, they didn't want that Syrian king, or any of his men coming there to finish what they started. They also sent a messenger to meet this company of men, inquiring, "Thus says the king, 'Is it peace?'" But after the messenger reached the oncoming visitors, he did not return. The watchman said that he simply fell in the ranks behind them. The curiosity of the two kings was heightened as this procession continued near. Another messenger was sent to meet them and inquire of their business at Jezreel, saying "Thus says the king, 'Is it peace?'" But he did not return either. So the watchman reported, saying, “He went up to them and is not coming back; and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously!” 2 Kings 9:20 Don't you just love that... Jehu's driving of a chariot is distinct. I mean, he is the commander of Israeli troops. So I guess he stands a bit taller in his chariot. And maybe he's a bit more courageous, a bit more fearless in his demeanor and approach. But what these kings didn't know... was that Jehu, had just been anointed by Elijah as the next king of Israel. That probably would have been of keen interest to Jorem.... since he was the present king of Israel. And it could also be why Jehu was driving furiously. Because he needed to reach these kings before they heard this prophecy. So, to not belabor, the point. both kings called for their own chariots. And in their own ridiculous, and irresponsible curiosity, went to meet this company of men to see... if they came in peace. They just went. They just opened the door after someone rang the bell. Without so much as putting on any armor, or considering any outcomes. They wanted to know who was coming forth so furiously in this chariot. They only thought it's Jehu, but were not certain. This was only the opinion of the watchman. And not until they neared Jehu's chariot and asked him of his business, did they realize he was not there for a social call And he killed both of them... as God had appointed it. (see 2 Chronicles 22:7-9) Two kingdoms changed in a moment. Two kings killed in one day. The northern Israel the southern Judah. Divided by God as consequence of evil, committed by kings long before who chose pagan gods over Him. Gone were the days when kings called upon the name of the Lord. Gone were the kings who inquired of Him, praised and worshiped Him, wrote psalms and songs unto Him. Those kings were no more. Not once, did either of these kings call upon the name of the Lord. Nor inquire of the Lord, praise or worship Him, write psalms or sing unto Him. No. These kings religiously relied upon the watchman in their tower. These kings were stirred stiffly by the curiosity that could not be quenched. These kings had built a house unto themselves, unto their pride, unto their vanity, unto their downfall. Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. Psalm 127:1 Let us not be like these kings who rode curious chariots to their own demise. Let us not rush out into our trouble today, uncertain, unprepared, and unarmed. Let us not continually call to the watchtower of worry, sending the messengers of our mind out to fail us. Let us not be like kings of our own kingdoms, illuded by the false pretenses of pride, wealth and fame. But rather be servants in this household built by the Lord... heirs to His rich glory, children of the King. For here... we are rescued from our troubles, safe in His strong tower, sheltered and secure, guarded and sure. Word of God, train me, today... to first, and only look to You for the tools and materials, plans and strength to build this house. to seek, cry out, and wait upon You rather than any high thing this world has to offer.
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January 2019
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