Have you ever experienced jealousy? Most of us have, some more than others. The one time I remember was when I worked in a supermarket during my high school days. This kid I worked with got assigned to one of the cash registers. I became instantly jealous and what I remember was it felt like a burning inside of me. In fact, it made such an impression on me that I still can recall the entire scene of that night. I do know one thing, if I ever permitted jealously in my life it would lead to big trouble.
Have you ever thought of God as being jealous? Whoa, that’s wild thought! But, it isn’t, “… for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14). Where jealousy is called the rage of man, God’s is holy. His jealousy is impassioned, filled with passion and fervent. It is the jealousy of a Father.
A great example of this is a husband and wife, bound to each other for life by a covenant of marriage. If one of the partner’s becomes attracted to another, it will provoke jealousy and or anger. A married couple should be entirely devoted to each other. Neither another person nor occupation is to take the place of that covenantal relationship. How sad to see one attracted to another or occupied by a hobby, work, or some other excuse. It is the first sign of breaking that covenant.
The Father is very jealous for us. He wants no competition. He wants all of you to be filled with Him and His Spirit. He wants your eye on Him. He will not patiently co-exist with idols in our hearts. His jealousy is awakened by any unfaithfulness in us. The word tells us that we were created for His pleasure. So, God’s jealousy is His pure desire to give us Himself and all that He has.
In the end, this is good news for us. He is a very protective Father overseeing his children and He will drive out anything that tries to compete with Him. In that we have a true freedom that brings a rest and joy and fulfillment in our lives.