Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Friday, May 6, 2016
What does it mean, God is a jealous God?
Love is not Jealous, so Why is God?
| by | Eric Lyons, M.Min. |
The argument goes something like this: (1) 1 John 4:8 indicates that “God is love;” (2) 1 Corinthians 13:4 says that “love is not jealous” (NAS); and yet (3) Exodus 20:5, along with several other passages, reveals that God is “a jealous God.” “How,” the skeptic asks, “can God be jealous when several verses say God is love and 1 Cor. says love is not jealous?” (McKinsey, 1992). Simply put, if love is not jealous, and God is love, then God logically cannot be called jealous. Or conversely, if love is not jealous, and God is jealous, then God cannot be considered loving. Right? How can these verses be anything but contradictory?
The term “jealousy” most often carries a negative connotation in twenty-first-century America. We pity the man who is jealous of his coworker’s success. We frown upon families who react to a neighbor’s newly found fortune by becoming overcome with jealously. And we are perturbed to hear of a jealous husband who distrusts his wife, and questions every possible wrong action that she might make, even going so far as demanding that she never leave the house without him. Add to these feelings about jealousy what various New Testament passages have to say on the subject, and one can understand why some might sincerely question why God is described at times as “jealous.” The apostle Paul admonished the Christians in Rome to “behave properly,” and put off “strife and jealousy” (Romans 13:13, NAS). To the church at Corinth, Paul expressed concern that when he came to their city he might find them involved in such sinful things as gossip, strife, and jealousy (2 Corinthians 12:20). And, as noted above, he explicitly told them that “love is not jealous” (1 Corinthians 13:4). James also wrote about the sinfulness of jealousy, saying that where it exists “there is disorder and every evil thing” (3:16; cf. Acts 7:9). One religious writer described such jealousy as “an infantile resentment springing from unmortified covetousness, which expresses itself in envy, malice, and meanness of action” (Packer, 1973, p. 189). It seems, more often than not, that both the New Testament and the “moral code” of modern society speak of “jealousy” in a negative light.
The truth is, however, sometimes jealously can be spoken of in a good sense. The word “jealous” is translated in the Old Testament from the Hebrew word qin’ah, and in the New Testament from the Greek word zelos. The root idea behind both words is that of “warmth” or “heat” (Forrester, 1996). The Hebrew word for jealousy carries with it the idea of “redness of the face that accompanies strong emotion” (Feinberg, 1942, p. 429)—whether right or wrong. Depending upon the usage of the word, it can be used to represent both a good and an evil passion. Three times in 1 Corinthians, Paul used this word in a good sense to encourage his brethren to “earnestly desire (zeeloúte)” spiritual gifts (12:31; 14:1,39). He obviously was not commanding the Corinthians to sin, but to do something that was good and worthwhile. Later, when writing to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul was even more direct in showing how there was such a thing as “godly jealousy.” He stated:
I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it (2 Corinthians 11:2-4, emp. added).
Paul’s burning desire was for the church at Corinth to abide in the love of God. As a friend of the bridegroom (Christ), Paul used some of the strongest language possible to encourage the “bride” of Christ at Corinth to be pure and faithful.
In a similar way, Jehovah expressed His love for Israel in the Old Testament by proclaiming to be “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24). He was not envious of the Israelites’ accomplishments or possessions, but was communicating His strong love for them with anthropomorphic language. The Scriptures depict a spiritual marriage between Jehovah and His people. Sadly, during the period of the divided kingdom, both Israel and Judah were guilty of “playing the harlot” (Jeremiah 3:6-10). God called Israel’s idolatrous practice “adultery,” and for this reason He had “put her away and given her a certificate of divorce” (3:8). This is not the “lunatic fury of a rejected or supplanted suitor,” but a “zeal to protect a love-relationship” (Packer, p. 189). Jehovah felt for Israel “as the most affectionate husband could do for his spouse, and was jealous for their fidelity, because he willed their invariable happiness” (Clarke, 1996, emp. added). Song of Solomon 8:6 is further proof that love and jealousy are not always opposed to each other. To her beloved, the Shulamite said: “Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe as Sheol; its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord” (NAS). In this passage, love and jealousy actually are paralleled to convey the same basic meaning (see Tanner, 1997, p. 158)—that (aside from one’s love for God) marital love is “the strongest, most unyielding and invincible force in human experience” (NIV Study Bible, 1985, p. 1012). In this sense, being a jealous husband or wife is a goodthing. As one commentator noted, married persons “who felt no jealousy at the intrusion of a lover or an adulterer into their home would surely be lacking in moral perception; for the exclusiveness of marriage is the essence of marriage” (Tasker, 1967, p. 106).
Truly, love has a jealous side. There is a sense in which one legitimately can be jealous for what rightfully belongs to him (see Numbers 25). Such is especially true in the marriage relationship. Israel was God’s chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). He had begun to set them apart as a special nation by blessing their “father” Abraham (Genesis 12:1ff; 17:1-27). He blessed the Israelites with much numerical growth while living in Egypt (Exodus 1:7,12,19; Deuteronomy 26:5; cf. Genesis 15:5; 46:3). He delivered them from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 3-12). And, among other things, He gave them written revelation, which, if obeyed, would bring them spiritually closer to Jehovah, and even would make them physically superior to other nations, in that they would be spared from various diseases (see Exodus 15:26). Like a bird that watches over her eggs and young with jealousy, preventing other birds from entering her nest, God watched over the Israelites with “righteous” jealousy, unwilling to tolerate the presence of false gods among his people (see Exodus 20:3-6; Joshua 24:14-16,19-20). Such “godly jealousy” (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:2) was not what Paul had in mind in 1 Corinthians 13:4.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Does God Ordain Afflictions?
Spurgeon once quoted:
"There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children than the doctrine of Divine Sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe troubles, they believe that Sovereignty hath ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them and that Sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children of God ought more earnestly to contend than the dominion of their Master over all creation-the kingship of God over all the works of His own hands-the throne of God, and His right to sit upon that throne."
IN other words, God is in complete control of our lives - past, present and future.
I would like to earnestly hear some input about these words. As of now, I do not agree with Mr. Spurgeon completely because why then were we warned about the world, flesh and the devil? Why did Jesus quote the Old Testament saying, "My people are destroyed by their lack of knowledge?" Why did He give us a will of our own to sin and not to sin? If God is in complete control over everything to the point of ordaining afflictions upon us, then can this be under the sowing and reaping principles that are definitely tried and true? Why did He talk to Lucifer and agree in afflicting his servant Job? To prove Lucifer was in the wrong and Job's friends? We also know He opens up the earth and those who fell into it were those who talked against God's anointed. We know He brought many plagues because of disobedience.
If indeed the Sovereignty of God ordains afflictions, then what about the little children who are abused and molested? Is this from God too? Jesus said that whoever harms one of these, it would be better for a milestone be tied around his neck and thrown into the sea.
I believe that disobedience does bring consequences. Sin brings consequences because it destroys our bodies, minds and lives. Sowing & reaping again. When we take that step in the wrong direction we are cultivating a harvest of heartbreak through so many things. But does God lead us there to sin? "Lead us not into temptation, but delivers us from sin." Remember, in Luke 4 when Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit in the desert where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. Is this being ordained for affliction? Jesus must have been ordained for affliction because He was the sacrificial Lamb of God. He knew He had to fulfill prophecy as well.
I would love to hear how you all see this. Talk to me.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Rejoice this day and be glad!
It is by no mistake that Jesus the Messiah was resurrected on Easter Morning. Those that mocked and tortured him became weaponless and put to shame.
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Col. 2:15 niv
After Jesus was resurrected, He was seen by over 500 people as he preached to them. He went through walls, yet Thomas was able to put his fingers in the nail prints of his hands. He cooked and ate fish upon the beach. Jesus the Son of God, was victorious in every way.
Every small seed that is planted and reaches up toward the sun to have this new birth is by the power of a Holy God. All this authority was given to His son Jesus, as He overcame the torturous agony of the cross that heals the many scars we have today. Scar tissue is not a bad thing. It is proof that you have lived your life and become seasoned to bring joy and love through the gifts The Holy Spirit has given to you.
Rejoice with me this day!
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for sending your son to give us freedom and life. We thank you and praise you for your love. We rejoice today for the gift of grace you’ve given to us. Help us to be sensitive and discerning to those around us. Help us to see and think good in others, but have your wisdom to make the right decisions that will glorify you. We love you Lord!
In Jesus Amen
Monday, March 14, 2016
Can He? Will He?
Can He?
A couple of mornings back I woke up too early but was able to drift back into my neither world. I thought I’d share a little bit of this dream. A group of about 7 well dressed women all came up to me and handed me a most beautiful vase. As I can recall the color of the large vase was laden with antique gold markings with a dark background. Upon the vase were the words:
“Can He?”
The ladies seemed to be asking me a question in giving me that vase. Excited, I thought: Can He? Think about it; is there literally anything that God cannot do? If He can see the deep anguish in your heart, cannot He make it whole? Many are going through tough times but remain silent, yet God sees it all. The hopelessness of addiction can be a double life filled with despair. Jesus delivered the lunatic that was filled with demons. A lonely heart yearning for a morsel of understanding sits in the darkness. The Holy Spirit can send a empathetic ear that will fill the void in your soul. I can only imagine how lonely Peter felt after he denied Jesus. Mothers have wrestled with many a sleepless night praying for a loved one, then beat themselves up later for their “lack of faith.” Every unimaginable hardship matters to God. If your heart is right, He has heard your prayers!
“Can He?”
This morning, I challenge all of those who ask themselves “Can He?” Remind yourselves that God does what pleases Him and gives what is best for us while we go through the process of refinement. The vase in my dream was empty and that told me that it is our task to fill the container with the fragrance of the fruit of His Spirit. The thought of “Can He?” will build strong character in your life the next time you cross that river because you will know He Can and Will!
Would you pray with me?
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for giving us this time to feed our spirits and nourish our souls. We put down any doubts and hesitation in our faith and we embrace the grace that has been given to us. Thank you for your Son who heals all wounds. We deliberately release our loneliness, our old ways of thinking and all hurts to you and we choose to forgive those who have offended us. Take all these things and fill our hearts up with your joy! Thank you Father.
In Jesus we ask amen.
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
If it is of God....then it is unstoppable
Good Morning,
Spring is upon our doorstep. I looked down from the porch and saw some tiny pansies declaring this jubilee. The woods, the creeks, the mountains and all the creatures are busy getting ready for this new season. God's creation is unstoppable. I believe it is His hand that causes the water to gush into a waterfall. I am reminded if something is from God we will not be able to stop it. Pensively, I thought, things either come from God, men or the dark forces that many deny. Too many times, we bring our Father God down to our level because of our lack of faith and understanding. Who is able to grasp His vastness, His power and all knowing character? His intense mercy and love? He is the reader of men's hearts. He knows our motives before we get out of bed. He knows our fears and above all, He says; "do not fear." Put your trust in Him!
Become bold for the Lord!
Let's pray:
Heaven Father,
You truly see every inch of our motives, our weaknesses, our hearts yearnings. It is by your Spirit that we are led and by your Spirit that we are healed. Your Spirit opens up the truth we need to give us understanding in the natural realm, the mental realm and the spiritual realm. We ask you today for you to fill us up where we need to be filled. Where we are weak, send us your messenger to strengthen our souls. Where we are in denial of your truth we ask that we experience your truth in a deep everlasting way that would deliver us from this error. Help us to replace any unforgiveness with the power and grace of your love. Give us the wisdom Father to know how to de-stress ourselves from the world that surrounds our lives. You have called us to peace, not anger or anguish. We deliberately choose to walk in the fruit of the Spirit. Thank you Father.
In your Son's Precious name Jesus.
Friday, March 4, 2016
One Breath gives us His Gold (prayer)
Good Morning,
Have you looked into God’s well this morning and discovered your harvest of love? Think for just a moment of the richness of His grace. We can stand upon His magnificent creation atop a mountain and look around for miles completely spellbound by the beauty. Everything that the Holy Spirit blows upon turns to gold. Sometimes we have to pray to see it.
Your tiny mustard seed of faith is filled with godly gold (this means you are quite rich!) and can overcome any obstacle, any weapon, any injustice, rejection and trial that comes into your life.
I sometimes carry a packet of mustard seeds around as a reminder of the powerhouse of faith that has been given to me. Sometimes I give them to others. Rd. Mat. 17:20
Be generous in your faith. It is the building blocks of your future.
Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the faith that you have given to us. We thank for your Holy Spirit that has blown upon us giving us a harvest of gold. Your gold! Just one breath and we have this life giving gold that ministers grace in our hearts. We give you the honor! We give you all the glory! We give you all of our love and surrender everything inside of us to lift you up!
Be with us today and we ask that your Holy Spirit would make us sensitive to your love in the decisions we make. Everything we have is yours Father and we lay it at your feet. We love you.
In Jesus we pray
amen
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