Onward: What You'll Face Should You Choose to Follow

Scripture References: 2 Kings 9; 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 7:24-28; Matthew 4:1-11; Zechariah 3

Intro: Many are currently sensing God's call to move – adopting, planting, committing, changing careers, stepping into ministry. Saying "yes" to God is exciting, but obedience often attracts increased temptation and accusation, just as Jesus faced the wilderness immediately after His baptism. Using Jehu's commissioning in 2 Kings 9, let's explore what we face when we choose to follow and how to overcome.

Key Points:

1. Temptation: Remain Silent (v. 11): After being anointed, Jehu initially downplayed it ("You know the man..."). We're tempted to keep God's call private due to fear (of opinions, cost, failure) or to avoid accountability. Response: Go public within a supportive community that affirms God's call (v. 13).
2. Temptation: Settle for False Peace (v. 18-22): Jehu was repeatedly pressured to "come in peace." He refused, knowing true peace required dealing with the root issue (Jezebel's idolatry). We're tempted to compromise or stop short to avoid conflict. Response: Reject superficial peace; stay committed to God's full purpose ("What have you to do with peace?").
3. Temptation: Wait for Perfection (v. 20): Jehu was known as a reckless driver before God called him. We're tempted to believe we must fix all our flaws before obeying God. Response: Start now! Move forward in obedience and trust God to refine your character and motives along the way. Don't let imperfection paralyze you.
4. Facing Accusation (v. 31): Jezebel immediately accused Jehu ("you murderer"). Stepping out invites attack – mockery, questioning motives/worthiness, feeling isolated. Accusations often contain grains of truth, making them potent. Response: Expect it (like David, Noah, Nehemiah, Pentecost believers). Call out "Who is on my side?" Find your allies. Crucially, rely on your Advocate.
5. Our Defense: Jesus Our Advocate (1 John 2:1-2; Heb 7:25): Don't try to combat accusation with self-justification (Stuart Smalley). Our accuser (Satan) can harass but cannot bring the verdict. Jesus is our Advocate before the Father and lives to intercede for us. He defends us. Trust His advocacy over the accuser's noise.

Conclusion: Following God's call means facing temptations to stay silent, compromise, or wait for perfection, along with inevitable accusations. Overcome by finding supportive community, refusing false peace, moving forward despite flaws, and silencing the accuser by trusting Jesus, our powerful Advocate and Intercessor.

Call to Action:

• Identify the specific temptations (silence, settling, perfectionism) hindering your obedience.
• Recognize the accusations you face (internal/external). Renounce them.
• Share God's call with trusted community. Don't stay silent.
• Refuse compromise. Ask God for strength to persevere.
• Step out now; trust God's refinement process.
• Actively rely on Jesus as your Advocate. Let Him defend you. Seek prayer for freedom from accusation.

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