II Kings 10  Jehu is an interesting character. He was the son of Jehoshaphat, not the one who was king of Judah. ( Very confusing!)   Elijah had been told to anoint him as king, although it was actually at Elisha's direction that it happened.  He was responsible for the deaths of Joram, Ahaziah, and Jezebel.  And here we see him fulfill all the Lord's word, removing every descendent and follower of Ahab.   Jehu also killed relatives of Ahaziah whose hearts favored Ahab's ways.  Finally, Jehu removed the worshippers of Baal and removed Baal's temple from Israel. 

The Lord rewarded Jehu.. "Because you have done well in executing what is right in My eyes, and have done to the  house of Ahab according to all that was in My heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel." ( v30)  Jehu ruled for 28 years, followed by his son, Jehoahaz, his grandson, Jehaash, also called Joash; his great-grandson Jeroboam (the second); and finally,  Zeharrah, his great-great-grandson. 

"But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel sin." (v31) 

The Lord, the Almighty God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, You are holy and You call us to be holy.  You desire us to follow Your ways with our WHOLE hearts.  Yes, we can do things that are pleasing in Your sight - go to church, give offerings, pray, and even read our Bibles.. but if our hearts are not wholly devoted to You, then we are like the Israelites of old.. like the Pharisees in the time of the New Testament. Before the exile, they had chosen idols, afterwards, they chose pride and legalism.  What do we choose.. what is it that keeps our hearts from full devotion?  Search our hearts, Lord,  try us and know our anxious thoughts.. reveal to us the things that are hurtful and lead us in Your everlasting ways.  We pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen.