Are You Jealous?

By Peter Crause

1Kings 19:14 And he said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. “

These words were spoken by the prophet Elijah after his confrontation with King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. The details of the event are not the subject of our current meditation, but a meditation on the “why” of Elijah’s actions.

Israel had fallen in gross idolatry. Jezebel; Ahab’s wife, had influenced Ahab to “abolish” the worship of Jehovah in Israel – instead they were now worshipping Astarte and Baal; heathen gods of Tyre. The abolishing of worship of Jehovah was carried out by systematically killing God’s prophets and priests and erecting altars and shrines to Jezebel’s false gods. This trend grieved Elijah to the core of his being. How dare God’s people forsake Him in this manner – after all the things He had done for them? The Name of the Lord was being blasphemed. God’s people were worshipping other gods. God’s man; Elijah; was grieved – he was “jealous” for his Lord. God is a jealous God – he desires and demands His people’s absolute surrender and dependence on Him and Him alone! It cannot and must not ever be “God and”, but always “God only”. If it is otherwise, we too should be “jealous” – for our Lord and Savior.

The result of Elijah’s “jealousy” led him into the great ministry he had. He was no different to us. James in his Epistle says: “Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we…and he prayed…” (James 5:17) The motivation of Elijah and the things he accomplished are well within the grasp of every believer. Elijah was jealous for God and he did something about it!

Time warp from Elijah’s day to the present; is there a cause for any of us to be “jealous” for the Lord? Are conditions in the world and in the Church such that we should emulate Elijah’s example? Have we lost our “light-bearing” character to illuminate a dark world? Have we lost our “saltiness” to arrest and stop decay in society? Look around. Listen to what is said in the media. Does it look and sound like the world is becoming a “better place”? No matter what scientists or world political leaders say, the world is still a sinful and corrupt place – and getting worse by the day. I don’t have to highlight the many ways the Lord Jesus is being “systematically” removed from His rightful place of honor and how His name is being used in cursing. Just listen to the language in most movies today. False religions of the east and mid-east are portrayed as truth and the Bible and our Lord Jesus are rejected and made a mockery of. Prayer to the Lord Jesus in public places is banned. God’s law is put aside – replaced by man’s “wisdom”. Do you think that perhaps it’s high time God’s people got jealous for Him – instead of throwing up our arms and resigning ourselves to what seems to be beyond our control?

It’s time for believers to take a stand. I heard a “quotable quote” some years ago:” Those who stand for everything stand for nothing.” We need to become “jealous” for the Lord and take a stand against the trends we see and not accept them as inevitable. When we hear someone blaspheming and using the Lord’s Name in vain, don’t get “lock-jaw”; rebuke them and if possible give them warning of the dangerous ground they’re walking on. Get jealous for God.

Idolatry has crept into the Church. “Covetousness” is called idolatry in the scriptures – are any of us guilty? Today it is touted that if you’re not living in prosperity you’re not spiritual. The focus has changed from serving the Lord for who He is to serving Him for what we can get out of Him. Child of God – take a stand against this idolatrous practice. I’m in no way suggesting we should be living in poverty; but wanting us to get our focus right. If God blesses us with prosperity, then thank Him. Someone once said of a certain very wealthy man: “He has money; money doesn’t have him.”

We could spend much time mentioning the many things in our lives and practice that have replaced the Lord and denied Him His rightful place as Lord. Bringing out “dirty laundry” doesn’t solve anything. We each one individually will be reminded and convicted of these failings by the Holy Spirit as we begin to approach Him in humble repentance and submission. Begin to get jealous for the Lord and His Name and He will deal with the issues in your own life that needs attention. We need revival like never before! Don’t expect the world to seek the Lord and serve Him if you’re not doing so. Revival starts with you!

Elijah’s life is an example for us to follow in regards to what we are speaking of.

James 5:17 Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we have and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

He started off by praying. He prayed for revival. He prayed for God’s Name to be exalted. He studied the Word and saw that God had “promised” He would withhold rain if His people forsook Him. (Deuteronomy 11:17) He prayed that God fulfill His Word and withhold rain. He boldly went to the King and proclaimed it wouldn’t rain – and it all happened. Reading the Word and praying against the trends of the time gave him a jealousy for God and a boldness to take action.

Are you jealous for the Lord? Do you want to be jealous for the Lord?

How about starting to do what Elijah did? Pray earnestly. Read the Word daily. Become jealous for God. He will support and direct you to take the most effective and lasting action.