JUL 23

Exodus 34:12-17
Memorise Deuteronomy 4:24
"for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God"

We see this word ‘jealous’, and straightaway we think of an angry boyfriend or girlfriend who catches his or her partner stealing glances at someone of the opposite sex. Scenes from shows that we have watched replay in our minds, of the argument or fight that follows, and the pain, hurt and grief that results. Oftentimes, jealousy has a rather negative connotation in our minds, often because of the over-reaction and misunderstandings that result from those who are excessively so.

However, we should realise that the emotion of jealousy is not unbiblical. In fact, it is an important and even necessary feeling to have in any healthy relationship. A husband ought to be jealous of his wife’s affections, and would desire that she love him exclusively. It would be terrible if he would see his wife in the arms of another man and not feel anything at all. If he finds out his wife whom he loves is cheating with another man, he ought to respond in jealousy, in anger, and also with pain and hurt.

God describes Himself as a jealous God. He is jealous for us, desirous of our affections. What He wants is to have an exclusive relationship with us. He cares about the manner in which we worship Him, that we do not bow down to any idol that we make. When we do not worship in the way that He has prescribed for us, but instead try to worship Him in any way that we see fit, the glory due to Him is given to another. Therefore, He tells us clearly in Exodus 34:14, “thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God”. In no uncertain terms the Lord declares to us that He is a jealous God, who will not be content to play second fiddle to anyone or anything. He goes so far as to say that His name is Jealous, meaning to say His very nature is characterized by that. He loves us so much that He will be provoked to jealousy when we do not reciprocate that love, but instead worship Him falsely or superficially.

When a wife knows that her husband is jealous for her, and wants only the best for her, she is comforted and assured by his love for her. Thus, to us, God’s jealousy therefore ought to be a comfort to us, that He loves us so dearly, and cares about where we set our affections upon.

Thought: God is jealous over us, only because He loves  us.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to provoke You to jealousy.