Exodus 34:14

We know that there are many names for God in the Hebrew text of scripture. All of them are wonderful, and each of them highlights a divine truth of His character. One of them is El Qanna; Jealous God.

In our culture, being jealous can bring to mind a negative association, that of weak insecurity, or selfishness. But in the heavenly sense, it is a benevolent term, illustrating devotion and the strength of a love that is boundless in pursuing the object of its desire. Charles Spurgeon put it this way, “Your Lord is very jealous of your love, O believer. Did He choose you? He cannot bear that you should choose another.”

Let’s take a moment to examine our hearts today. Any goal, anything, or any aspiration that stands above our Lord is unfaithfulness on our part. Realizing this, I am driven with joy back to my First Love, the One who paid the highest price to set me free and win my heart. We are His bride, Church, let’s be true to Him!

Jeff Deal