Peace Comes When Jesus Reigns

📜 Scripture Focus:
“When they returned and told Jehu, he stated, ‘This fulfills the message from the Lord, which he spoke through his servant Elijah from Tishbe: At the plot of land in Jezreel, dogs will eat Jezebel’s body.’”
—2 Kings 9:36 (NLT)

“So a horseman went out to meet Jehu and said, ‘The king wants to know if you are coming in peace.’ Jehu replied, ‘What do you know about peace? Fall in behind me!’ The watchman called out to the king, ‘The messenger has met them, but he’s not returning.’ So the king sent out a second horseman. He rode up to them and said, ‘The king wants to know if you come in peace.’ Again Jehu answered, ‘What do you know about peace? Fall in behind me!’”
—2 Kings 9:18–19 (NLT)


💡 Devotion
Today’s reading starts with a glimpse of grace—the beautiful return of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 8. This is the same woman who had shown hospitality to Elisha and was blessed with a son, who later died and was raised back to life by God’s power. What faith she had! Her obedience and reverence for God protected her family. And when the famine ended, God had already gone before her. Her land was restored. What a testimony!

But then, as we keep reading, the narrative takes a dark turn. The rise of Jehu is filled with judgment. God’s Word is being fulfilled, but it’s through war, destruction, and a sobering reckoning. Jezebel’s gruesome end in 2 Kings 9:36 is a reminder that every word God speaks comes to pass—both promises and warnings.

What stood out most to me today was Jehu’s blunt response:
“What do you know about peace?” (2 Kings 9:18–19)
That question hit deep.

These people didn’t know peace—not because peace wasn’t available, but because they had rejected the God of peace. They chose idols. They chose sin. Even Judah, who had once followed the Lord, fell into corruption and pride (2 Chronicles 21). Their “peace” was fake—shallow and fleeting.

📚 Lesson for Me
We will never know true peace until the God of peace is ruling and reigning in our hearts.

Jehu asked a powerful question, and I believe God is still asking us that today:
“What do you know about peace?”

If peace is lacking, it's not because God is absent—it's because we’ve allowed something else to rule where only Jesus belongs.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Application
📝💭 Journal & Reflect:

🕊️ Am I running to Jesus like the Shunammite woman—or trying to fix things in my own strength?

💔 Are there areas where I feel a lack of peace? What might be the cause?

👑 Is Jesus truly reigning as King in every part of my heart—or are there idols I need to surrender?

🗣️ What do I believe peace looks like in my life? Is it aligned with God's definition of peace?

🙇🏽‍♀️ What practical steps can I take this week to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart?

📖 How has the Word of God recently encouraged or convicted me regarding peace and obedience?

🕯️ What does God want me to fall in behind—like Jehu commanded—and follow in faith?

💡 Is there a past moment I experienced God’s peace that I can remember and thank Him for today?


🛐 Prayer
Lord, I want to know true peace—not the world’s version, but Yours. Help me to live like the Shunammite woman, trusting You fully, obeying even when I don’t see the outcome. And if my heart has wandered or allowed other things to rule, please take Your rightful place again. You are the King of my heart. Reign in me, Jesus. Amen.