Jealous God

"You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you." Exodus 34:14 NLT

God jealous? Isn't jealousy a sin? Not when it is rightly directed. God's love for us is a jealous love that would have us live in full devotion to Him. A husband who is not bothered by his wife's flirting with other men does not love her as he ought. God loves us His people so deeply that He will not share their affections with any rival.

God's jealousy is holy and not sinful because He rightly deserves our full affection. God desires that we love Him first and foremost with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And God's jealousy is holy and not sinful because He desires only what is best for us and despises what would harm us. Full devotion to Him is best for us. Bowing before other god's is harmful. It is when we live in full devotion to God that we live the abundant life (see John 10:10).

Are we in danger of worshiping other gods? Anything we allow to move into God's place and to consume our time and attention so that we have less or none to give Him is a god. If you don't have time to spend with God daily, time to worship Him regularly, time to serve Him faithfully, or ability to give to Him generously then identify the thing that you do have time and ability to do instead and you will have found the false god in your life. Jealously guard God's place in your affections and attention.

Father, You are worthy to have the preeminent place in my affections and attention. I am amazed that You are jealous about Your relationship with me. Show me any intruder upon this relationship that I too may be jealous for my relationship with You.

I'm praying for you.

Pastor Mark