"Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."
(EXODUS 34:14)

Joel 2:12-18
I remember a night on our college campus when my jealousy was provoked. My relationship with Rachel had barely begun. But there was a visitor on campus, and I was convinced Rachel was more interested in him than in me.


When I think of the names of God, “Jealous” never comes to mind. Names like Emmanuel, Yahweh, or El Shaddai do, but not “Jealous.” Yet this title is a special name connected to us, His people. Christ purchased us as His Bride and intends this relationship to be exclusive. Repeatedly, however, we provoke His jealousy and bring into the relationship other things we love more than Him. This is the very reason Jesus – our Husband – had to die.


It turns out I was wrong about that visitor to our college campus. I had no reason to be jealous. Though not yet married, I got a small taste of the desire Jesus has to be the only one on whom we rely. The “You shall have no other gods before me” commandment (Exodus 20:3) is the first one of the ten, reminding us of how ardently God seeks after our whole hearts.



Scripture Focus

Joel 2:12-18

Insight

GOD'S JEALOUSY FOR HIS PEOPLE IS A MEASURE OF HIS DETERMINATION TO LOVE US EXCLUSIVELY. MUCH LOVE... MUCH JEALOUSY.

Bible In A Year

  • 1 Kings 11-12
  • Proverbs 5
  • Hebrews 5-6

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