None Greater By Matthew BarrettSample

Day Seven: Is Our God A Jealous God, And Are We A Jealous People?

Scripture: Exodus 34:14

If we exist to glorify our Creator, then jealousy should characterize us, His image bearers, as well. While our jealousy is not the same as God’s jealousy (we are jealous for His glory, not ours, while He is jealous for His own glory) it is a communicable attribute, and one that is to define the Christian in every way.

That is easier said than done, especially when the culture we live in tempts us with other gods or persecutes us for not worshiping the gods they idolize. When the pressure is on, will we remain jealous for our God? Or will we give in and compromise?

When Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, notice that he rebukes the Israelites looking on. “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him” (I Kings 18:21a). The Lord is jealous for His name and for His people; He will not tolerate a people who limp back and forth between true worship and idolatry. We are to be exclusive in our worship of God.

Elijah knows, however, that he is not alone. Remember, false gods can be seen, made by human hands, but they cannot be heard. No matter what stunts the prophets of Baal perform, silence follows. Yet notice Elijah’s petition: “Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God” (I Kings 18:37). Elijah understands divine jealousy. He knows God is jealous for His name and will act, as He has with Israel under the threat of Pharaoh, to show all people that He alone is the Lord. 

Throughout our week, we have stared and marveled at God’s glory in various perfections. A “sincere and pure devotion to Christ”—that is the type of godly jealousy that is to define every Christian and every church. Knowing our sinful wickedness as the created, Jesus surrenders to the cross so that we may stand reconciled before God, before His perfection. Why? He loves with a jealous love. 

The violence that appeases the wrath that should come upon God’s people is taken by the one filled with divine jealousy Himself, the Son of God in the flesh. So effective is His atonement that He cries out, “It is finished” (John 19:30). So satisfying is His payment for sin that the tomb is found empty on the third day. Christ is risen and victorious, and all the world will know that Jealous is His name.

Do you love Jesus with a jealous love?