“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
–Exodus 20:4-6
A lot of people misinterpret the Scripture when it says that God is a jealous God. Because we tend to think of jealousy as an ugly thing. But jealousy can actually be a very beautiful thing.
For example, as a husband, I’m jealous for my wife’s fidelity. And my wife is jealous for my fidelity. We have a holy jealousy for each other because we have been separated unto one another in the sacred covenant relationship of marriage. So we have the right to be jealous!
So when you think about God’s jealousy, it’s not that he’s jealous of you. He’s jealous for you. He’s jealous that his glory be revealed in you. He’s jealous that his best would be given for you. He’s jealous that you would experience life as he has promised.
So let me ask you an honest question today. When you think about your relationship with God as a covenant love relationship, are there areas of your life where you’re giving him reason to be jealous?
Or to put it another way, are there areas of your life where you’re being unfaithful to God? Have you set up idols in your heart that have taken his place?
If so, I want to encourage you not to settle for those substitutes! Don’t settle for man-made gods that rob you of the pleasure and excitement of really knowing him. Don’t settle for substitute gods that can’t deliver you, that can’t give you hope, that can’t comfort you, and that can’t take you to heaven. Don’t settle!
Instead, focus on truly giving him his rightful place to rule and reign in your life, to rule with no rivals. Then he will be worshipped, your life will be transformed, and your children and your children after them will be blessed.
ARE THERE AREAS OF YOUR LIFE WHERE YOU’RE BEING UNFAITHFUL TO GOD?
