Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath (Zechariah 8:2 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Be Jealoused
Until seventh grade, I was usually picked last for playground sports. Uncoordinated, and disinterested Tommy did not make for a valuable member of sports-ball teams… whether football, basketball, kickball, baseball, or dodgeball.
But something happened in the seventh grade. I had a new friend.
And even though John was no more interested in my sports-skills than anyone else was, he was committed to me. He was interested in my emotional well-being. He did not like it when others made fun of me, belittled me, or ignored me. So, John worked on my behalf. I never made it to first choice… but middle-pickings weren’t bad.
It was nice.
While I would not go so far as to say John was jealous for me, with even a small wrath… my experience helps me understand Zechariah’s words.
Not because I am skillful, or wise, or knowledgeable… but simply and profoundly because Jesus chose to love me, the created universe tends to be on my side. It does not choose me last. It does not make fun of me, belittle me, or ignore me. Not in any true way that matters.
But God, the One True God, the Loving God is jealous for me.
Old habits stop me from noticing… my selfish demand for MORE of God’s jealousy on my behalf makes me blind… my immaturity still drives me to want to be picked FIRST…
But He is jealous for me, a part of His Zion.
What else do I need?
Fear not, then be jealoused.