by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.”

2 Kings 10:15–16

God’s work is not a job, but a ministry.

A college professor was once speaking on the subject of zeal and said, “I was impressed several years ago when I read that Eugene Ormandy dislocated a shoulder while directing the Philadelphia Orchestra. I do not know what they were playing, but he was giving all of himself to it! And I have asked myself sadly, ‘Did I ever dislocate anything, even a necktie?’”

Consider what happened to that conductor—he was so consumed with his work that he dislocated his shoulder. He was so passionate about his work and poured so much into his masterpiece that he caused himself physical pain.

When was the last time you “dislocated” something or was so consumed in the Lord’s work that it cost you something? Notice the story surrounding our verses today. Jehu was a godly king in the early history of the children of Israel. Unlike some kings, he was just and ruled fairly among the people. Second Kings 10 documents his conquering of the people who defied God and threatened the Israelites. But he didn’t conquer these people with an army of Israeli soldiers; he conquered them single-handedly. As Jehu said, “Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD” (2 Kings 10:16). He invited Jehonadab to witness his zeal and passion for the Lord’s work.

Jehu was passionate about serving God. I’m sure Jehu would have dislocated his shoulder had the Lord’s work required it! He was that dedicated to driving out those who opposed the Lord. How dedicated are you to the Lord’s work? How passionate are you about what God has given you to do?

Sadly, many Christians fail to see the importance of God’s work. Teaching Sunday school is just a time to present a lesson; singing in the choir is done so the choir director won’t be upset; and driving a bus is just another task to do on Sunday. But these are not ordinary tasks! Teaching Sunday school could help someone stay faithful this week; singing in the choir could soften someone’s heart toward the message; and driving a bus could bring a lost soul to church where they find Christ. God’s work is always important and deserves your passion and zeal.

Do you have zeal for the Lord’s work? Do you plan, prepare, and pray for each Sunday? Each week lives are at stake. The devil wears on Christians throughout the week, and much of their spiritual refreshment comes from church on Sunday. Rather than haphazardly entering Sunday, take time each Saturday night to pray for the church services on Sunday. Pray that God will speak through your pastor. Pray that visitors will come and will be open to God’s leading. And pray that God will use you to make a difference in someone else’s life each week. Let zeal for the work of God be a consuming passion in your life starting today.

To learn more about Pastor Paul Chappell and his ministry, please visit paulchappell.com or follow him on twitter.  

Daily Bible Reading
2 Chronicles 30-31 • John 18:1-18