“Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel. But Jehu did not turn aside from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin—that is, the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan.” (2 Kings 10:28–29 ESV)
Jehu had been chosen by God to bring judgment on the house of Ahab and to remove Baal worship from Israel. He acted decisively and zealously to carry out that commission. He tore down Baal’s temple, destroyed its priests, and eradicated the cult from the land. However, Jehu did not fully obey the Lord. He held on to the golden calf worship introduced by Jeroboam. Though he eliminated one form of idolatry, he maintained another. His actions appeared to be politically motivated rather than spiritually pure. While God’s word of judgment against Ahab was fulfilled through Jehu, his own heart was not fully devoted to the Lord.
Jehu reminds us that partial obedience is still disobedience. We cannot pick and choose which parts of God’s Word we will follow. Like Jehu, we may be tempted to obey in areas that align with our personal goals while compromising in others. But the Lord desires wholehearted devotion. He sees through our outward actions and looks at our hearts. We must ask ourselves: Are we clinging to idols of comfort, convenience, or control? Are we using religion as a cover for self-serving motives? God’s promises—including His judgments—will come to pass in His timing. Our call is to walk in faithfulness and truth, not just in public victories, but in private surrender. Let us give Him our wholehearted devotion.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for the ways we hold back from giving You our full devotion. Reveal any idols we are keeping in our hearts, even the ones we have justified or ignored. Help us walk in Your ways completely, not just when it suits our purposes but in all areas of life. Teach us to trust in Your Word and to live with reverence for Your timing and truth. We want to follow You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, amen.