By Authrine Dryden
12 “Be very careful never to make a treaty with the people who live in the land where you are going. If you do, you will follow their evil ways and be trapped. 13 Instead, you must break down their pagan altars, smash their sacred pillars, and cut down their Asherah poles. 14 You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.
Exodus 34:12-14 (NLT)
“I already told you, I can’t go!” she cried out aloud to her best friend. “Stop asking me the same questions over and over!” She had bought a new outfit for the occasion and all. Her face dropped and she felt very sad. She was deep in thoughts. How could her mom choose to talk to her at this particular moment? Reminding her of her values and morals and enforcing house rules and curfew. Why did she choose today of all days? It’s just not fair! She thought, having this inner war with herself because she respects her mom. She cannot disobey and attend this party. She just cannot go!
As the people of Israel continue journeying to the Promised Land with the Lord as their leader and Moses as their guide, God is very clear whose they are. They are His people and belong to no other. As they travel through the different towns and cities the Lord reminds Moses not to form any alliances with anyone who live in those areas. We are thus reminded that we belong to God – we are not our own. We are His and must worship no other gods as he is jealous God – which is to say He rightfully is zealous to protect that which belongs to Him. Can we understand why God would caution His people? He would do so because of their tendency to rebel. God is righteous and holy. He hates idolatry and dislikes anything or anyone who comes between Him and His people. God made a covenant with His people and expects them to be faithful.
We must ensure that throughout our journey with God we stay focussed on Him and true to his word. Adhere to his warnings and not get caught up with situations and circumstances around us. God should be first place in our lives. In the Ten Commandments we are told to have no other Gods before Him [Exo 20:3 & Deut 5:6] The scenario above highlights the need to be obedient even when we feel like we want to go and do our own thing. This young girl was careful to obey her mother’s request because of her respect for her. So, we should love and respect our Lord and our God knowing that he is a jealous God.
Ask – Why did God instruct the Israelites to be mindful of the people living in the land?
Seek – How does the revelation of the Jealous aspect of God influence your relationship with Him?
Knock – Let us continue to trust and obey His commands to express a right relationship with him.
(Upper Photo by Tolga Ahmetler on Unsplash)
