J is for Jealous

 

 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God. (Exodus 20:4, 5)

Moses led the Hebrews out of bondage. But Pharaoh changed his mind about letting them go again and, pursuing them with a mighty army, caught up to them at the Red Sea. This may have worried Moses and frightened the Hebrews, but Pharaoh’s army neither surprised God nor worried Him. He had a plan to demonstrate His power over nature and to destroy the Egyptian army for their harsh treatment of His people. God commanded Moses to raise his staff. The Red Sea parted. Over one million Hebrew men, plus women, children, and livestock crossed the sea on dry ground that day. However, when the Egyptian army followed the waters came together and drowned them all.

In the form of a cloud by day and a pillar of smoke by night, God led Moses and the Hebrews to Mount Sinai where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God, reminding us to serve Him only. Because He is a jealous God, He will not share our affections and loyalty with anyone or anything else.

The other six commandments address our relationships with other people.

Nevertheless, if we remember to revere God and serve Him only, all the other commandment will fall into place. The problem is we can’t do it. We fall short. We allow people and things to replace God in our hearts. We take over the lordship and become our own gods. That’s why Jesus came and gave His life to ransom us from sin. And because of His sacrifice on the cross He has even more reason to be jealous over the allegiance of His people.

How about you? What reminds you of Jesus that’s starts with the letter J?

See you in a twinkling,

Brenda K. Hendricks