I AM: Jealous

“For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
-Exodus 34:14

Most of us cringe when we hear of God’s jealousy.  It’s not very often that jealousy is presented in an honorable light.  But because God proclaims Himself to be a jealous God, it is important that we make every effort to understand this attribute in light of the fullness of His character. 

When we think of jealousy as it relates to human emotion or character it is usually played out in an envious desire of others achievements, advantages, or possessions.   It is wanting what others have that we do not have.  It is this manifestation of jealousy that is warned against in Scripture.

“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
-James 3:16

“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”
-Proverbs 14:30

But when we speak of God’s jealousy, it is of an entirely different nature.  God’s jealousy is a protective attention and defense of what absolutely and rightfully belongs to Him. 

God is jealous for the honor of His name.

God must be passionately devoted to defend and safeguard His honor and character. He must ardently desire exclusive adoration. To do anything less would make Him less than God, because honor and adoration belong to Him alone.

He has said about Himself:

“I will be jealous for my Holy name.”
-Ezekiel 39:25

His jealousy does not stem from insecurity, nervousness, annoyance, or contempt as ours often does.  Rather it is the essential and natural product of His immeasurable holiness. 

If God is jealous for the honor of His name, we, as His people, should be jealous for His name as well.  We should be totally committed to living in order to bring honor to His name, to love and respect Him.  What a unique opportunity we have been given through sorrow to proclaim to the world that even in the midst of darkness and grief He alone is worth living for!  He is our hope!  Will you allow your sorrow to point others to the hope we have in Christ?  Will you be dedicated to honor His name in every circumstance?

God is jealous for His glory.

“I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.”
-Isaiah 42:8

This jealousy does not stem from selfishness or greed. If God were to share His glory with anyone or anything else, He would be elevating them to a place that is unwarranted by their nature, and He would be unfaithful to His own nature.  God cannot give His glory to another, because there is nothing that is worthy or deserving of His glory.  God cannot be untrue to Himself.

God does everything for His glory. 

He created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7)
He chose us for His glory (Ephesians 1:4-6)
He answers prayer for His glory (John 14:13)
He refines us for His glory (Isaiah 48:10,11)
He sent His Son to die for His glory (John 12:27,28)
He forgives sin for His glory (Isaiah 43:25)

He is devoted without fail to uphold and demonstrate His glory.  This display of jealousy for His glory ought to inspire us to fully live for His glory.  We ought to be careful therefore, to walk humbly before the Lord. The moment we seek to glorify ourselves we are setting ourselves up as opponents to the One who is Most High.  There is place for His glory only.

When we fall into the mindset that we have not received the blessings we think we deserve, we are contending for God’s glory.  When we believe that God owes us anything we are grappling for His glory.  When we begin to think that our plan would have been better than God’s, we are opposing His glory. 

If we are to exhibit God’s glory, we must first align our hearts and actions to His perfect will.  Do you want what God wants?  Have you given God the place of highest esteem in your life?  God is jealous for His glory, and you were created for it. 

God is jealous for His people.

God carefully protects what is rightly His.  And you, dear one, are His. 

He is jealous of your trust.  He does not want you turning to the things of this world for comfort, stability, and hope. 

“The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply”
-Psalm 16:4

When you are facing pain and trials, where do you run?  Do you rely on your ability to overcome hard times on your own strength or to create a plan to be better prepared in the future?  Do you ignore the pain by filling your schedule so there’s no room to process the hurt?  Do you isolate yourself from others in order to avoid reminders of the loss you’ve experienced?  Do you turn to bitterness and anger or blaming others for what you have faced?

Don’t allow business, bitterness, personal resolve, or isolation to become gods in your life.  In your hurt and loss do not allow yourself to run to worldly solutions for comfort and hope.  For God knows that when you place your trust in these things — when you run after these other gods — your sorrows will only multiply.  He is jealous of your trust, because He knows that only He can offer you true comfort and a living hope!

God is jealous of your love. You are chosen by God.  He desperately desires that you should not choose another.  He bought you with the blood of His Son.  Do not fall into believing that you belong to this world.  He gave everything for you.  Will you not also give everything to Him?  He cannot bear for you to love this world or what it has to offer, because it is such a cheap satisfaction compared to the joy that is in Him!  Whatever seduces your affection away from God will always leave you disappointed.

Does your marriage, children, possessions, comfort, or pleasure hold a place of greater prominence in your heart than God? God does not desire passive love from His children.  No!  He earnestly and jealously desires that we fully delight ourselves in Him, because He knows the joy of His presence far outweighs everything else!  He does not want us chasing after momentary and worthless pleasures when the very best has been laid out before us!

The jealousy of God is a great comfort and hope.  His jealousy does not allow Him to compromise His character or promises.  His jealousy reveals to us that He simultaneously has His glory and our best interest at heart.  And His jealousy yearns for you to deepen your relationship with Him until you fully realize and rejoice in the truth that He is all that you need.

For more posts in this series follow the links below:
I AM: Yahweh
I AM: Holy
I AM: Sovereign
I AM: Love
I AM: Faithful

Ashlee is the Editorial Manager for Hope Mommies. Ashlee and her husband, Jesse have three children on earth: Jayden (4), Micah (3), Elian (2), and two children in Heaven: Simeon (May 2014), Odelle (Jan 2015). She loves photography, organization, drinking tea, serving in the youth ministry at their church, and spending time with her family.
You can get to know her more by reading her blog, Beyond Undone.