Most “jealousy” is simply avarice turned outward, an anger born of greed and nursed in contempt:
“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel.”
But true righteous jealousy—redemptive jealousy—is as fierce as a bolt of lighting:
“For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge. He will accept no compensation; he will refuse though you multiply gifts.”
And just as a good husband will tolerate no rivals for his wife’s affections, so God resists our idols. We are by nature spiritual adulterers who cheat on our Heavenly Husband:
“I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.”
He is unequivocal in calling us to purity and faithfulness:
“You must dwell as mine for many days. You shall not play the whore, or belong to another man; so will I also be to you.”
But our idols are not easily defeated:
“It is hopeless, for I have loved foreigners, and after them I will go.”
Like Joseph, God is righteous and would be justified in writing us a decree and sending us away. But instead He has chosen to do what no earthly husband could ever do—He changes our hearts!
“Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her.”
He rends our souls by tearing us away from our illicit and idolatrous lovers, but then clothes us in unparalleled splendor and binds us up in His love:
“All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold. In many-colored robes she is led to the king.”
“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.”
Thank you, Lord, that you love us and will never allow our hearts to be held captive by another! Fill me with the same jealousy that you have for Your holy name that I might love you forever:
“You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
“You shall have no other gods before Me.”