A Jealous God

God is a jealous God. He stated this clearly in the Ten Commandments, and repeated it again and again. Just after giving the Ten Commandments, He proclaimed that His name is “Jealous” and that He “is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14).

His jealousy tells us that He is specific about how we are to act. This word helps us understand His character, and His view toward creation, His people, and the world. It defines how He thinks about His people. We are not just casual acquaintances but people for whom He cares deeply. In fact, He is jealous for us.

In the Old Testament He declared, “I am exceedingly jealous for Zion, yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her”(Zechariah 8:2). This theme continues in the New Testament, where we read, how God is “jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin” (2 Corinthians 11:2).

In the rush to stress God’s love, forgiveness, and grace, many in the world deemphasize His jealousy and holiness. But the Bible makes it clear that we cannot really know Him until we understand His character, His nature, His purity and holiness.

It is the same attitude loving parents have toward their children, or a godly husband for his wife. It is an attitude of maximum compassion, maximum attachment, maximum commitment, with no room for compromise.

Today, remember that God is jealous toward you. That is how much He cares for you. But never forget to worship Him and Him alone. And be careful to seek to please Him, not according to your standards, but His.