This week the Middle East has been contentious because of the actions of Israel. The fighting has escalated beyond the Gaza Strip and Hamas into Lebanon and against more Hezbollah targets.
First Israel attacked Hezbollah via pagers they had planted over 15 years ago. Then while they were mourning, Israel did more damage by triggering walkie-talkies to claim more victims. The week was topped off by Israel firing rockets at Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. It is clear that Netanyahu isn’t focusing on God’s ways; he has turned to the ways of this world.
- Revenge
- Deception
- Violence
Israel has always been called to rely on and follow God’s ways, instead of themselves or the actions of this world (Exodus 19:6, Deuteronomy 14:2, Joshua 24:15.) The truth is, God avenges His people alone (Deuteronomy 32:35.)
God’s people cannot walk in the world’s ways; we belong to God and follow His ways. Netanyahu has forgotten Israel serves a jealous God (Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 4:24.)
What Is Jealous?
Throughout the Bible God is described as a Bridegroom who is jealous and zealous for Israel (Isaiah 61:10, Ezekiel 16:8.) Biblical jealousy is an intense passion or longing for someone or something.
Jealousy is defined as, “Hostile towards a rival; intolerant of a rivalry or unfaithfulness.” God wants and deserves all of His people’s adoration and attention, just like a bride does her husband.
We cannot let the things of this world tempt us or lead us astray from God and His ways. Money, power, and earthly greatness are all temporary idols of this corrupt world. The world chases after these things, but God’s people shouldn’t (Proverbs 27:24, Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, Matthew 6:19-21.)
God’s people are not to be jealous of the things and ways of this world (Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3; 10:22.) The Apostle Paul remembered his Jewish education warning about the jealousy of this world and how Israel belongs to a jealous God.
Qānā’
The ancient world was focused on pleasure and temporary happiness and sought them by all means. God’s people are meant to be different; God is to be our focus, not earthly things.
God’s people cannot be jealous of the world and its idols, because we belong to the world’s Creator. The Hebrew word for jealous in the Old Testament is Qānā’ and it can also mean, “Envy, zealous or to provoke to a jealous anger,” depending on the context it was used in.
God’s people belong to God like a bride belongs to the bridegroom. God is so zealous for His bride; Israel gave Him the name of Qanna (Exodus 20:5; 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24; 6:15.)
He won’t allow His bride to chase other things that make her happy or safe, because He is a jealous God. The 10 Commandments warned His people about following other gods and not honoring God.
- You shall have no other gods before me.
- Do not make idols.
- Don’t take the Lord’s name in vain.
- Keep the Sabbath holy.
- Honor your mother and father.
- Thou shall not murder.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Don’t steal
- Thou shall not bear false witness.
- You shall not covet.
The New Testament continues this marriage analogy between God and His people. Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is His only bride (Matthew 25:1, John 3:28-30, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Ephesians 5:32, Colossians 3:18-19.)
God’s people are to be committed to Him only, because one day we’ll all be reunited with the bridegroom in heaven (Revelation 18:23; 19:9; 21:1-2.) God knows the love of temporary things will lead us astray from Him and His ways (1 John 2:15-17.)
Steve Lawson
Late this week conservatives were shocked to hear pastor Steve Lawson had resigned as pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas Texas. Little is known about the allegations of his inappropriate relationship with a mystery woman, but it is obvious that Mr. Lawson was unfaithful to his bride. Mr. Lawson knows God and His Word, yet still strayed away from his wife and Christian teachings.
I don’t point this out to condemn or judge Mr. Lawson. My intent is to show how easily God’s people can be tempted by temporary happiness.
- Relationships
- Greatness
- Power
- Wealth
Throughout history, God’s people have turned to other gods that make them happy, myself included. I understand how easily spiritual drifting makes us look for temporary happiness (Romans 12:1-4, Colossians 3:2.)
We must remember Satan is crafty and patient, he knows our hearts are evil and when to tempt us. Satan wants to isolate us because he knows we are weakest when we are alone.
The late Billy Graham had a rule of never being alone with a woman in private unless she was his wife or daughter. Likewise, we must never forget our zeal for God, because He is Qānā’!
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