SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Numbers 25:1-15

“… he was zealous
for my sake …”

GODLY JEALOUSY (I)

Charity does not embrace sinful jealousy. However, it is also true that charity demands us to be jealous of God and His glory. As God’s covenant people, we are also expected to be jealous over His honour and the faithfulness of His people.

One example of love that is manifested in godly jealousy is seen in Phinehas. The account of his godly jealousy is found in Numbers 25:11: “Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous (jealous) for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.”

Balaam, the false prophet, was prevented from cursing Israel by the LORD. Therefore, he came out with a crafty and devious plan. He understood the only way Israel could get hurt was if they sinned against God. Thus, he sprung the beauty trap on the children of Israel. Enamoured by the daughters of Moab, the Israelites committed whoredom before the LORD. These strange women soon led the silly men to worship their gods. Thus, the anger of the LORD was kindled against the children of Israel, resulting in the declaration of an order for all who were joined to Baal-Peor to be slain before the LORD.

Despite this order, one man brazenly demonstrated his affection for a Midianitish woman in public! This was rebellion of the highest order. If allowed to persist, the congregation of Israel could be led away to whoredom, and the name of Jehovah would be dishonoured. It was at this point that Phinehas stood up for the LORD, thrusting his javelin through the offending man and woman.

On the account of his godly jealousy, Phinehas was rewarded with the covenant of peace and the everlasting priesthood of Israel (Ps 106:31). Those who love the LORD above all shall be richly blessed.

THOUGHT: Am I jealous for God’s glory?
PRAYER: Father, help me to be zealous for Thy name.