2 Kings 10:28-31 – “So Jehu eradicated Baal worship from Israel.  ²⁹ However, Jehu did not repudiate the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had encouraged Israel to commit; the golden calves remained in Bethel and Dan. ³⁰ The Lord said to Jehu, “You have done well. You have accomplished my will and carried out my wishes with regard to Ahab’s dynasty. Therefore, four generations of your descendants will rule over Israel.” ³¹ But Jehu did not carefully and wholeheartedly obey the law of the Lord God of Israel. He did not repudiate the sins which Jeroboam had encouraged Israel to commit.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God, several thoughts came to mind.  The freedoms we enjoy have come at the price of sacrifice and commitment. In war, there can be no half-heartedness. A full commitment to the cause is essential for victory.

In reading the Book of 2 Kings, a common thread emerges that highlights the requirement of total commitment.   Jehu was an imperfect man, yet God used him to deliver Israel.   He cleaned out the swamp of corruption in a significant way, but… BUT?   

In 2 Kings 10:28-29 – “Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. BUT, as for the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu DID NOT DEPART from them, especially the worship of the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan.”   He did well, but not 100%.

After Jehu, we find several kings who did what was right, BUT… However, they did not abolish idol worship.   They reached a place where excessive tolerance was embraced, and everyone served their own gods, calling it a commitment to GOD.

2 Kings 17:33 is revelatory, “They worshipped the LORD and…”   The AND is the problem. “And served their own gods after the manner of the nations…”   God requires total commitment. Jesus said in John 15:14 – “You are my friends IF you do everything that I command you.”

God is trimming the tree of fruitlessness and pruning the fruitful.   Total commitment is required. John 15:6 – “Unless a man (person) remains with Me, he will be cast outside like a branch which is withered, which they pick up and throw into the fire to be burned.”

We cannot serve God and worship idols simultaneously.   If we are to fulfill our purpose, we must give God our all.   Today is tree-shaping time in the kingdom. Lord, make us productive trees.

Pruning is not always pleasant or easy, but it is productive, and we want to be productive for God’s Kingdom and Harvest.   Rejoice that He sees enough in you to Prune You!