“For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” ~ Deuteronomy 4:24 

As I am reading through the Bible this year, I am compiling a list of questions that arise from the passages I read. They are not questions of doubt, but rather questions which stir in me a desire to better understand what God is saying! Those questions become the foundation of further study in the amazing Word of God!One such question is, “What does God mean when He says that He is a jealous God?” That statement is made about the Lord at least 8 times in the Old Testament. In Exodus 34:14 God even declares that His very name is Jealous! 

We struggle with this because the word “jealous” carries a negative connotation. It is akin to envy and covetousness and carries the idea of sinfully longing after something that does not belong to us. But the word “jealousy” when linked to the Almighty is based on His zealous love for His people! He created us, redeemed us, sustains us, carries us, cares for us, and above all sent His Son to die for us! We are his people and the sheep of his pasture! 

As a result of that zealous love, God is grieved when we give our affections to lesser things and especially when we give that affection to sinful things. He is deserving of better from us and His honor and glory demand much better from us. Hence, the jealousy of God! As He sees sin, self, and Satan vie for our attention and affection His holy, zealous love become the foundation for His Holy jealous passion! 

Is the Lord jealous of anything in our lives that diminish our love and commitment to Him? 

Pastor Bish