Deuteronomy 4:24 “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”

IT’S NOT A BAD THING

Did you know your God is jealous?  In fact, in Exodus 34:14 it reads, “for you shall not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God”  His NAME IS JEALOUS!!!  Now that’s serious.

But what does that mean?  Does He stalk you like a jealous boyfriend?  Does He call you incessantly if you break up with Him?  Of course not.  He is jealous in that He demands full allegiance.  He wants your full attention.  He does not allow you to “say” you love Him and then flirt with other “gods.”

TEACHING MOMENT

Children need to learn that our Holy God will not allow them to make Him just another interest.  He is not interested in sharing their attention.  He is the ONLY God and requires us to recognize that.  Our children will be bombarded by other religions and their false beliefs.  They will hear from others that there are many gods and many ways to heaven.  There aren’t!

I am sure your children will sooner or later have a jealous moment over a friend.  That’s a perfect time to share this verse.  They will understand the emotions they feel in a jealous moment.  You, as Mom or Dad, need to talk to them about how that type of jealousy is not of God.  But also share with them how God is jealous for them.  He will defend them.  He will cherish them.  They are HIS.

And you?  Are you a jealous type?  Do you get jealous over little things?  Do you get jealous when you see your husband or your wife flirt with someone else?  You should.  You have sole rights to them as their spouse.  God has sole rights to you, too.  Don’t forget it. No other gods before Him.

Recommit yourself to God today.  Thank Him for His selfless love He showed by giving us His Son to die for us.  Let Him feel your love and devotion today.  Hey, why don’t you get jealous for God?