One of the things that I love about God is that He is willing to meet with His people. Why should the Creator of the Universe have any desire to do this? It can only out of love for us.
Love that we don’t deserve.
Sometimes when I read the Bible, I find myself wondering “What was wrong with these people? How could they follow God one moment, witness His greatness, and then wander away from Him the next?” And yet, this is not only a common theme in the Bible, but among each generation that follows.
A problem arises which deeply impacts people. The people cry out to God in desperation. God provides help. The people give praise to God and worship Him. The people fall away or forget God’s presence and goodness until a new problem arises which deeply impacts the people….
This isn’t the relationship that God desires us to have with Him. Why would it be? Who would want a relationship that is one sided? Always taking, rarely acknowledging. A healthy relationship is one that is invested in by both persons. Not one.
And yet so often the one who continues to invest is the One who says of Himself, “… for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.” (Exodus 20)
Before we begin to think that we are off the hook with the “affection for other gods” comment, realize that “other gods” does not necessarily mean an idol – or statue – or a false prophet or world leader. Other gods would be anything – absolutely anything – that we are placing as a higher importance in our lives than the LORD God, Himself, is given. My job could be my god. My spouse could be my god. My children could be my god. My hobby could be my god.
God says, I won’t have it. I will not tolerate it.
When we do this, God pre-teaches what will happen – what our consequence will be. “I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected – even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.”
While this seems harsh, do not allow yourself to believe even for a minute that God is unjust or cruel. God is holy. God is love. Just as God has promises consequences for disobedience, He also promises positive consequences for those who obey. “But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commandments.” (v. 5-6)
Yes, God is a jealous God. His jealousy does not stem from His insecurity. God knows who He is. There is none like Him. His jealousy is all tied to our putting false, powerless, flawed people and things in the place He alone deserves. He will not show Himself as LORD and King unless we place Him in the role of LORD and King of our lives. He deserves nothing less.
Blessings!