Introductory Thoughts
The Bible consistently identifies the Lord as a jealous God. As the Creator, He deserves man’s undivided allegiance. As the most High God, He is worthy of man’s unadulterated worship. It is often in this vein that the Bible speaks of God’s jealousy. He warned Israel not to make or bow down to any graven images (Exodus 20:4-5; Deuteronomy 5:8-9; Psalm 78:58) because He was a jealous God and would have no choice but to judge such infidelity. The same was true of any false god (Deuteronomy 32:16) or sin (1 Kings 14:22) which man allowed to come between him and his Creator. God is perfectly just in His jealousy since man was created for God’s pleasure (Revelation 4:11).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): There is no doubt God is the Creator (Isaiah 42:5). Paul made this clear in Athens when he saw they worshipped many gods (Acts 17:16, 22-25, 28-29) that could do nothing (Psalm 115:4-7). God alone deserves worship (Psalm 86:8-10; Psalm 113:3-5).
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(For everyone): Is it a sin for God to be jealous? Why? What separates the jealousy of God from the jealousy of man? Is it possible for mans jealousy to be sinful? Why?
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How can Gods jealousy be a good thing for man? How can that jealousy be a cause for man to fear? Which is Gods jealousy for you at this moment? Why?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for His jealousy over His people.
- Ask the Lord to guard you from provoking His jealousy.
Song
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
