For I Am A Jealous God

The Lord our God is a jealous God. He will not share His throne. It’s expected He and He alone is to be worshiped. Exodus 20:3 says “You shall have no other gods before me.” It’s the one of the 10 commandments, written in stone by Moses. That’s how highly God values the worship of Himself.

 

Exodus 34:14 says ‘for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

 

In the book of Ezekiel, there is a mesmerizing reference to the image of jealousy. Ezekiel 8:3 …the door of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the image of Jealousy was, which provokes to jealousy.

 

Ezekiel 8:3-5 recounts a spiritual vision where the prophet Ezekiel is lifted up by the Spirit and brought to Jerusalem. Specifically, he is taken to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court. At this location, he observes the image of jealousy.

 

The phrase “image of jealousy” signifies something that provokes jealousy. In this context, it refers to an idol - an object of worship that stirs God's righteous jealousy. Throughout the Old Testament, idols were considered abominations, and their presence incited God's displeasure.

 

While the exact nature of this idol is not explicitly described in this passage by Ezekiel, some commentaries suggest that it may have been associated with the goddess Asherah, or golden images, but that’s not important. What’s important is the act of idol worship which brings God to jealousy. 

 

It's essential to note that the term “image of jealousy” doesn't necessarily imply that God was envious of the idol itself. Instead, it highlights the seriousness of idolatry and the Israelites' unfaithfulness to the Lord their God.

 

The image's location near the north gate, within the temple precincts, underscores its significance, for it resides within the inner court, within the sanctuary of the Most-High God. It was positioned in a place dedicated to the worship of God, making its presence all the more provocative.

 

The image of jealousy in Ezekiel, represents an idol that evoked God's righteous indignation due to the Israelites' departure from true worship. Its existence within that sacred space symbolized their unfaithfulness and disregard towards God's commandments. This in turn, unveils the lost intimacy of the relationship between the Israelites and God. The passage serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the need for genuine devotion.

 

As Christians, we need to be mindful of where we place our trust. Is it in a special one who walks with us through life? Is it in our children, our home, or is it in our finances? It may even be approval of others, or addictions. It shouldn’t be. Our trust should always be, first and foremost, in God and God alone.

 

When we put something else in the place of God, we dissipate the capacity to hear from Him or to sense His presence. Our soul shrinks and we get “off track,” losing our ability to walk in His ways, as we head down pathways not meant for us. As we continue down this wrong path, life becomes more and more difficult. And that’s not what we want.

 

Once we’ve found ourselves in idol worship, the best thing we can do at this point is repent and the sooner the better. Repent immediately. Get back on track and draw close into His bosom once more. The Lord our God might well be a jealous God, but He is also a forgiving and loving God. He will apply His grace to your situation and show you mercy.

 

Turn to Him today, turn back to Him if you’ve strayed, for there is no time like the present. And a great place to start, is with communion. Search yourself, search your heart and ask God to forgive you, then take of the elements, with faithfulness and praise, giving all honour to the One True God, through the sacrifice of His one and only Son. Take a moment to do this right now and live in Holiness and Peace.