By Andrew Williams
Series: He Is (Week 3: The Names of His Righteous Character)
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are worthy of all our worship and all our affection. Capture our hearts and protect us from the idols that compete for Your rightful place.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Exodus 34:14
“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.”
The word “jealous” often has a negative connotation for us, associated with petty, selfish envy. But the Bible gives us a completely different understanding of God’s jealousy. God Himself declares that His very name is Qanna, “Jealous.”
This name reveals God’s passionate, protective, and exclusive love for His people. His jealousy is not the petty envy of someone who wants what you have. It is the righteous jealousy of a loving husband who will not tolerate a rival for his wife’s affection. God’s jealousy flows from His covenant love. He created us for Himself, He redeemed us for Himself, and He knows that our greatest joy and good can only be found in Him. Therefore, He is “jealous about his relationship with you.”
To know God as Qanna is to understand that He is worthy of our undivided worship. When we give our primary affection and allegiance to other things—money, success, relationships, comfort—we are committing spiritual adultery. The name Qanna is a fierce and loving warning to guard our hearts and to give the one true God the exclusive worship He alone deserves.
Disciple’s Life Tip: Interact with God as Qanna. Honestly examine your heart. What “other gods” or idols are competing for the affection that rightly belongs to Him? Confess that idol to Qanna and ask Him to restore Himself to the throne of your heart.
Closing Prayer: Qanna, our Jealous God, thank You for a love so passionate that it will not let me go. Forgive me for my divided heart. I declare today that You alone are worthy of all my worship. Amen.
