14 Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Jealousy can be a good thing. When we are jealous for the best for those we love, that is a good jealousy. I am not talking about material things. I am talking about the best from God’s perspective. As the Lord is accepting Moses’ plea to take the Israelites back into His favor, despite their rebellion, he is told that the Lord is jealous. Notice that He is given the name Jealous and that He is described as jealous. That is a pretty strong description of the Lord. The Lord wants what is best for us. Worshipping other gods is not the best. In fact, it will lead us into terrible trouble. The Israelites made a golden calf after a few days of Moses being gone. He was on the mountaintop receiving God’s instructions for His people. They could see the cloud that enveloped the top of the mountain and yet they still rebelled against Him. The Lord only wants the best for us. That best is determined by viewing from His eternal perspective. The best does not center around material possessions. All of this world will disappear one day. Nothing we have collected will be brought into eternity. He wants our spirit, mind, body and soul to be centered on Him. That is what is best for us. It prepares us for His presence. It enables Him to work freely in our lives. He knows the best and desires it for us. He is jealous for that in our lives. When I see my grown children living their lives, I want what is best for them. As I see them making choices, I can see the consequences and I want to spare them pain, or share in their joy. I am jealous for them. I desperately want the best for them. I don’t want anyone or anything to stand in the way of that best.
The Arnold Journey 