Posted November 15, 2016 under Videos

Why does the Bible say that God is a Jealous God?

Have you ever been the object of someone's jealousy?

We have often heard of stories of jealous rages among lovers, resulting in harm and even death; or maybe among competitors in politics, business and competitions who resort to disparaging each other in the hopes to destroy the other. This kind of jealousy is unhealthy, improper, and probably even illogical or obsessive. It is insecure and vindictive, and downright ungodly, resulting in death or destruction.

Then there is described in the video a pure kind of jealousy: one that invites us back and is not vindictive, coming from a heart of true love. It seeks what is good. Perhaps this is similar to a child who has been ignored by a parent and once again seeks the security of his family by an affectionate tug or a request for time together. Or maybe like a parent whose child is independently discovering the world and its wiles to the neglect of home: the parent longs for his child to come home to the security of his love and protection. Responding to the loving invitation, the one who has been remiss attends once more to the relationship, and in doing so, finds himself in a better place - in his place of security.

God described Himself as a "jealous God". Jealousy has the components of both love and anger, and arises from the desire to be given priority, to receive our fidelity, and from a place of intimacy. Do you believe that God has a right to lay claim to us in this way? Why or why not? ____________________________________________________

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God's righteous and jealous love is relentless and fierce; it arises from love and seeks our good. Study Jeremiah 32:37-41 in your Bible. When God was dealing with Israel in this passage, what was He seeking for His people?

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God was after their own good, which could only be found in a relationship with Him.

At this point in your life, do you believe that God has a reason to be jealous for you? Is there anything else that receives your priority, fidelity, and intimacy more than God does? Does this thing or person deserve all these from you more than God does?

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Godly jealousy seeks a loving and righteous response from the one sought. How would you respond to God's jealous love for you, as He seeks to receive from you your priority, fidelity, and intimacy?

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May you respond to God's relentless love for you with faithfulness and devotion!

Let's pray: Thank You, dear God, for Your resolute, passionate and fierce kind of love that longs for our faithfulness and devotion. You are our safe place; our rock and our shelter. Thank You that when we stray, Your jealous love pursues us so that we may be found secure once again in You. May You find us faithful to You, and may we be a blessing and a source of joy to Your heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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