Tag: Jealous God
Confident confession!
Scripture reading for March 8th: Joshua 22-24
Someone has said that “if you don’t stand for something, then you will fall for anything.” I am not ashamed to state publicly that I love Jesus Christ! I also have repeatedly told my children that our family serves the Lord and we are known as followers of Christ. I don’t want the Lord to be ashamed of me because I have been ashamed of Him! (Luke 9:26)
Joshua gave his farewell address to the people God had allowed him the privilege of leading. He had lived a hundred and ten years and knew by personal experience that they were stubborn and rebellious. He made a strong statement to provoke them to serve the Lord. When we take a public stand we let others hear our heart and all are held more accountable to the leader’s example.
The closing chapter records the confession of Joshua:”. . .but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) This confession has stood over the years as a beacon to fathers, pastors, and those who fear the Lord. It brought a positive response from the Israelites as well! (Joshua 24:16-18) After their positive response, Joshua spoke negatively about the people’s ability to follow through with serving the Lord. “You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end to you, after he has been good to you.” (Joshua 24:19-20)
I believe that Joshua knew these people too well. He also had Moses’ song that warned of the people’s future unfaithfulness. (Deuteronomy 32:15-22) God had warned these leaders so that they could preach and prepare the people to avoid the temptations of idolatry and unfaithfulness. The leaders were expected to teach and live a godly example. Joshua also knew God’s jealous nature! (Exodus 34:14) God would not put up with their sins. Let’s confess along with Joshua and our Jesus: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” We will impact our family, church, and nation!
Stiff-necked disconnection!
Scripture reading for January 30th: Exodus 32-34
Moses was on the mountain in the cloud and fire for 40 days. He received the tablets with the 10 Words from the Lord. The people came to Aaron, who was left in charge, and asked for gods who would lead them. Aaron gave in quickly and asked for gold earrings and ornaments. Aaron had soon fashioned a golden calf and the people wildly worshiped it.
God spoke to Moses about the idolatry. (Exodus 32:8-10) God’s verdict–“They are a stiff-necked people.” Stubborness is as the evil of idolatry and rebellion is as the sin of divination. (1st Samuel 15:23) God is jealous! (Exodus 34:14) God had just written the tablets on which He emphasized no other gods before Him and to make no idols. (Exodus 20:3-6) Moses smashed the tablets in holy anger indicating the breaking of God’s Word by the very people who had sworn to obey! (Exodus 32:19; Exodus 24:3)
Moses, however did pray and intercede with God, asking Him to spare the people. He asked on the basis of God’s reputation and promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God listened but judgment still fell on those who sinned.
Moses called for those on the Lord’s side and the Levites stepped up. They strapped on swords and executed those who participated in the idolatry, even if it was their brother, friend or neighbor! (Exodus 33:27-28) Three thousand were executed that day. God was jealous! Israel was His Bride! From her would come His Son, the Messiah!
This loving and compassionate God (Exodus 34:6-7) does not tolerate idolatry and sexual immorality. Lying often goes with them. The sword represents a slaying of the flesh! The flesh must be crucified and stubbornness and idolatry are works of the flesh. (Galatians 6:19-20) The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God brings conviction which can lead us to repent and forsake idolatry! Let’s stay connected with God and His grace through Jesus our Lord. May the Word of God cleanse us from all stubbornness and idolatry!