God is Jealous

God doesn't just get jealous sometimes. His name is "Jealous God." What does this mean? Keep Reading...

READ
Exodus 34:14 - Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

REFLECT
We often think of jealousy as a bad character quality. It can seem confusing to attribute this to God. Yet he is clearly portrayed in Scripture as a jealous God.

God is referred to as a "jealous" in six Bible references. In each of these passages, God's jealousy is in the context of idolatry. God sees idolatry like the sin of adultery. He takes it personally.

Wouldn't it be normal for a husband to be jealous for his wife's affection? If he saw her wandering after other men, wouldn't it be normal for jealousy to arise within him? With God, jealousy is not a form of control. Instead it speaks of focused affection.

Isn't it good to know that God's love for you is not passive? Your devotion and loyalty really matter to him. He takes it personally when you wander after other loves. He is greatly hurt by divided loyalties and broken promises to remain true to him forever.

RESPOND
Do you recognize that God is intently gazing upon you? His jealousy for your attention and affection is his way of communicating intentional love. Ask him if you have wandered after other loves. Come back to him. He wants to remain your first love (Revelation 2:4).