“…you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God…” (Exodus 34:14) Jealous in relation to God is to be, fiercely protective of one’s rights. And God has every right to be WORSHIPED AND FEARED as the only true and living God.
When we use the word jealous, we use it in the sense of being envious or resentful of someone who has something we don’t have. However, this is not the intended meaning of the word jealous when used in reference to God, knowing that we have absolutely nothing that He needs or wants, except our worship and our loyalty. ”…the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH; for the Father is SEEKING SUCH TO WORSHIP HIM. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23-24) The word “spirit,” here, does not mean in rites and ceremonies, and to the pomp of external worship. It refers to the “mind,” the “soul,” the “heart.” Jesus said we are commanded to love the Lord or God with all our ”heart, soul and mind.” (Matt. 22:37). We shall worship God with a sincere “mind;” with the simple offering of gratitude and prayer; with a desire to glorify Him! Spiritual worship is that where our genuine, unselfish heart is offered to God.
God is a loving Father who will ALWAYS LOVE US no matter what. Let’s take time to receive the DEPTH OF HIS LOVE for us today. Let’s allow His love to heal us, and transform us, to free us, and lead us to the abundant life only He can provide for us, ”…I have come that you may have life (zōē: absolute fullness of life), and that you may have it more ABUNDANTLY (superior in quality).” (John 10:10)
-Bill Stockham