I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Cor. 11:2-3
Dear Lord Jesus, whenever I’m jealous, nothing ever good comes from it, because it’s usually fueled by insecurity and possessiveness. But nothing but good arises from godly jealously—from your intensely committed love “to have and to hold” your bride for yourself, and to enjoy us forever.
That you are jealous and zealous for the affection of our hearts, the pleasure of our company, and the intimacy of our communion is the greatest possible compliment you could pay us. That you are actually saying today in the gospel, at this very moment, by the Holy Spirit, “Come away, my beloved. My desire is for you, my banner over you is love,” is both astonishing and liberating. I believe this good news, Lord Jesus. I want to believe it more. Heal and free me from my unbelief.
I can certainly understand why Paul was so concerned about the heart drift of the Corinthian believers. For Satan is always seeking to lead us away from our “sincere and pure devotion” to you. When he distracts, deceives, and draws me away from the wonders of your love, everything else is affected.
I begin to look to people, “stuff,” and circumstances—more than I look to you for life, satisfaction, joy, and a genuine sense of completion. O, foolish man that I am. I long for the Day of no more illusions or delusions, no more deceived thinking or divided heart, no more ungodly jealousy or ungodly anything. I want to love you with everything I have and am, Lord Jesus. Hasten that Day; hasten it.
But in this day, give me enough grace and strength, to live and to love as yours—delightfully yours, belovedly yours. So very Amen I pray, in your triumphant and tender name.
