Jealous for the LORD God

1 Kings 19:9 And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?
10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Elijah was a good man who loved the Lord. He could not bear the thought of the people of God rebelling against the Lord. Although misguided into thinking that he was the only remaining person who cared about the things of God, he certainly did care. Elijah took things personally when the people forsook the Lord’s covenant, threw down His altars, and killed His prophets. Elijah constantly pleaded with them to make things right. The apostle Paul felt the same way, but his feelings even extended to a jealousy over the people of God (2 Corinthians 11:2). Unfortunately, few people today seem to take such a personal interest in the Lord or His people.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Although the word jealous is not found in the following passages, it is obvious that the men's actions revealed a jealousy for the Lord (2 Chronicles 15:16; 2 Chronicles 17:3-9; 2 Chronicles 34:1-7; 29-33). Thank God for those who teach us to do right through their words and their actions.

(For everyone):Why was the work of God so important to Elijah? How could these same reasons be a solid foundation to make the work of God important to you?

(For everyone):What did Paul’s jealousy for the saints drive him to do? How did he labour to keep them sound in their doctrine and faith? How should you do the same for believers today?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask the Lord to help you to be jealous for Him.

Ask God to give you a deeper love for His work and for His people.

SONG

A Charge to Keep I Have

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