September 14 Jealous for Jesus

1 Kings 19:10 Elijah said, "I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."

WHAT does Elijah mean that he has been "jealous for the Lord"? This is a word we do not use as we speak of our relationship with Jesus, is it? But perhaps it should be.

               The basic Hebrew language meaning of "jealous" is "zealous" and "passionate". Elijah is telling God that he has been passionate to uphold the name of the Lord amid the pagan worship of Israel. Elijah's life's purpose in the time God had called him was to hold on tightly to God's commandments, so the people of Israel would know the truth. As we have seen, Elijah has entered into a great battle against Ahab, Jezebel and hundreds of idolatrous prophets.

               Elijah's jealousy for God, his zeal to hold on to God's truth, is what we are called to do for Jesus Christ and his church today. A personal zeal for God is to be passionate to pursue him. You demonstrate jealousy for God when you put him first before other relationships and other tasks. You are jealous for God when you stand firm in a conversation with someone who negates the Lord or speaks flippantly of Heaven and hell. You are jealous for God when you lead your children and grandchildren to know him. You do not want them to be involved in false faiths or no faith at all. You must jealously pray for those you love to be safe with Jesus.

               Elijah could say he was jealous for God because he passionately told of God to Israel. Can you say you are jealous for Jesus because you passionately, lovingly share the Good News of his salvation?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, give my heart a great passion for you. Help me to lead many to know you. In Jesus' name, amen.