The Jealous Heart of God

Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion. - Zachariah 1:14b

The wound of jealousy is great in man. For in our jealousy and anger, we seek to make a point and take back what is ours. Yet because of our sin, we are often led to actions that only destroy and harm us. Yet the Lord’s jealousy is holy and righteous. It shows His love and desire for His people. We are prone to wander from his goodness and presence. Yet, in his jealousy, he either tenderly calls us back to him, or shakes things up in our lives so that we would wake up and come back. Both are done from His righteous love for His people. Your heart will either remain soft, or he will soften your heart himself.

While we may see this as unjust, it is the greatest blessing possible. For the fullness of joy is found in His presence. Salvation and redemption are found in him. He burns with jealousy for his people. While we sit in the “sand castles” we have built in our lives, he sits enthroned in His kingdom of creation. His jealousy is a blessing to us. When you find yourself wandering, return to the Lord and find your joy again. He desires to be with you. For a jealous God is for his glory, and we reap the benefits of a loving and jealous father.