2 Corinthians 11:2-3 says, “For 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.”

God is a jealous lover. The term “jealousy” usually carries a negative connotation in today’s culture. We are disturbed to hear of a jealous husband who distrusts his wife and watches every move she makes with suspicion. We frown upon people who are jealous of their neighbor’s success. Even scripture adds fuel to the topic when Paul says to “put off jealousy” (Romans 13:13). We’re explicitly told that “love is not jealous” (1 Cor. 13:4).

However the word “jealous” is a neutral term that may be expressed both negatively and positively. In the Old Testament, the word “jealous” is translated from the Hebrew word qin’ah. In the New Testament, it derives from the Greek word zelos. The original idea behind both words is that of “warmth” or “heat”. Paul’s passion was for Christians to live in the heat of God’s love. Therefore, he used appropriate language to persuade the bride of Christ to be clean and committed.

Exodus 20:5 says, “You shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me”

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

God expressed His love for Israel by declaring Himself “a jealous God”. He is jealous for fidelity, priority and preeminence in our lives. Throughout history, however, God’s people constantly struggled with staying monogamous. She was convinced she was missing out on the fun and enjoyment of having other lovers, so she flirted, smooched, and eventually cheated with false gods. The Lord’s fervent wooing was never enough. This love triangle was graphically portrayed and illustrated in the book of Hosea.

Paul reminds us to “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Earthly things are temporary things. It’s anything with an expiration date, anything seasonal, and anything that cannot love you in return. And since man was created from the dust of the earth, it also represents the flesh—the carnal man. As Christians, we have to resist the urge to fall in love with worldly things. American culture is riddled, hypnotized with the glimmer and shine of new stuff. Anything that’s fresh out-of-box, off the rack, on the lot or just released has way of luring us in. It’s intoxicating.

Beware, the devil plays cupid with our flesh by getting us tangled up with false lovers.

These false lovers could also include people, sports, fashion, technology, and even Christian stuff (i.e. books, music, and clothes). I’m not totally against these things. I enjoy certain sports and technology. However, I’m against what I consider “spiritual adultery”. The way I see it, these are “other lovers” that can betray our passion for God and steal precious time, energy and resources that can otherwise be used to advance the Kingdom of God. Even religion has its lovers, usually in the form of traditions. It’s sad to see some are more in love with their religious history and heroes then Jesus Himself.

Remember the covenant you cut with God, the vow you made to be His. Shred, burn, delete or remove anything that violates your covenant. Basically, it’s time to break up with those other lovers. God has a mad case of jealously concerning His love for you. I think it’s time to return the favor.

Blessings,

Pastor Jacob