“The driving is like that of Jehu son of Nimshi—he drives like a maniac.” (2 Kings 9:20)

“He (Jehu) came upon Jehonadab son of Rekab, who was on his way to meet him. Jehu greeted him and said, ‘Are you in accord with me, as I am with you?’ “I am,” Jehonadab answered. “If so,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he did, and Jehu helped him up into the chariot. ¹⁶ Jehu said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” Then he had him ride along in his chariot. (2 Kings 10:15-16)

If Jehu lived today, he would drive a Tesla so he could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. Jehu’s crazy driving habits illustrate how driven he was to accomplish God’s mission – to kill Jezebel, Ahab’s descendants, and the prophets of Baal. Perhaps you have experienced a hard-driving donor who lives to get things done and challenges you to move at his or her pace. Look for zeal as you recruit donors to serve on your board or capital campaign committee.

Driven Donors…

Attract Followers
People love to follow strong leaders. King Joram sent messengers to offer Jehu peace, but Jehu answered, “What do you know about peace? Fall in behind me” (2 Kings 9:18-19). The soldiers recognized Jehu’s leadership and immediately switched sides. Your ministry needs strong volunteer leaders who will help you build a strong team.

Shoot Straight
Driven donors are often very direct. King Joram met Jehu who bluntly said, “How can there be peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother, Jezebel, are all around us?” (2 Kings 9:22). As King Joram turned his chariot around to flee, Jehu shot him between the shoulders (v. 24). Jehu was a straight shooter in more ways than one. Value donors who speak truth.

See Reality
Jehu’s mission was to assassinate Jezebel. When she knew he had arrived in Jezreel “she painted her eyelids, and fixed her hair, and sat at a window” (2 Kings 10:30). It didn’t help. Jehu saw through her facade and ordered she be defenestrated (thrown out the window). Driven donors can look at your budget and see the bottom line. They know if your numbers work or if you are trying to sugar coat something.

Think Strategically
Jehu was a cunning military leader. He killed everyone in Ahab’s family and devised a plan to invite all the prophets of Baal to a worship service. He gave them robes so they would stand out in the crowd, then had his soldiers kill them. Jehu destroyed every trace of Baal worship from Israel and God rewarded him.

Need Accountability
“But Jehu did not obey the Law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart” (2 Kings 10:31). God used Jehu, but he was a flawed human being. God can use your driven donor, but they need your spiritual guidance to be truly successful.

Think About This: God brought you driven donors not just for their wealth, but also for their work and wisdom. Climb in the chariot and hang on!

Response: Lord, please help me recognize and recruit key donors gifted with leadership.