The Lord's Jealousy

Sunday 17 May
READ: 2 Cor. 11:2
More Lesson: 1 Kings 19:9 -10

When we hear the word 'jealousy', the first thing that comes to mind is being envious; that is, to feel bitter and unhappy because of someone's advantages, possessions or luck. We also see it as being suspicious of rivals, especially in regard to a loved one or being possessively watchful of someone or something. But the Bible tells us about men of God that were jealous for the Lord and even God being jealous for His inheritance. It thus appears that jealousy could either be positive or negative. Jealousy could mean having warm feelings, that is, zeal for or against someone or something. It means demanding extreme loyalty or adherence from someone.
Elijah saw the children of Israel leave God and go after Baal and he became jealous for God. He called the nation to Mount Carmel and called down fire so as to make the people go back to God (1 Kings 18: 20 - 40). God also displayed jealousy for His people when the heathen oppressed them, making Him to execute judgment on the oppressors, … Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy: Zech. 1:14. God indeed is a jealous God (Deut. 6:15), but God's jealousy is an expression of His zeal for His people to bring His promises concerning them to pass.

God also expresses His jealousy by punishing His people when they backslide in order to bring them back to Him, They stirred him to jealousy with strange gods; with abominations they provoked him to anger: Deut. 32:16. God shows His jealousy or anger against sinful children to move them to repentance. God is jealous anytime the enemy oppresses His people, The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies: Isa. 42:13. Man's jealousy always carries a negative impulse of envy and vengeance, which are borne out of selfishness and distrust, For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts: Prov. 6:34-35 (ESV). Human jealousy is cruel, devilish and selfish. This is not what we are called to indulge in as Christians because the jealousy of man cannot work the righteousness of God.

But jealousy for the Lord made Paul to say, for I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ: 2 Cor 11:2. This attitude of jealousy for the things of God is what we must develop. God is jealous for you; will you also be jealous/ zealous for God?

Prayer/Action
Declare as follows:
* O Lord, let Your kind of jealousy consume me just as it was with Jesus.
* Arise O God and kindle the fire of Your jealousy for me against my enemies.
*O Lord, by Your zeal, bring to pass all Your promises concerning my life and destiny.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
Today, I forbid the forces of destiny robbers over my inheritance and divine provision, in the name of Jesus.