Finding the original intent of Scripture and making good application to our everyday lives as we become equipped to correctly handle the Word of Truth!

1) What does it mean for God to be a jealous God? (verse 5)
It is odd to think of God as jealous, because jealousy is such a negative human emotion. It is easier to think of the word zealous, which author Richard Strauss describes as being synonymous for jealousy in the Bible when referring to God. He argues that “God is zealous—eager about protecting what is precious to Him.” I think about it in terms of how I feel for my daughter as she is choosing colleges. She has a scholarship to a good school, but she keeps looking at other schools that will cost more and require her to take on debt. I am zealous in my promotion of the choice that will give her a quality education and keep her from owing lots of money for many years to come. I know the harm that could come, and the good she might miss, if she chooses to go into debt for her education, so I advocate for her to make the choice that will save her future problems. This is how I see God in His jealousy, or zeal, for us. He promises that choosing to obey His commands and follow His ways will bless us. (Psalm 128) He warns that turning from Him will bring destruction. (Romans 6:23) He longs for us to worship Him and commune with Him, and He is jealous for us to make the right choice and avoid calamity. When you consider your everyday life choices and circumstances, how can you begin worshipping the One worthy of all your worship?

2) What is idol worship? (verse 4)
If you know me at all you are not surprised that I am a fan of all things Jane Austen, but you might not suspect me to be an old school Star Wars fan. I also collect vintage valentines, love old Hollywood movies, enjoy copious amounts of cinnamon tea and slim volumes of British poetry. As much as I love my eclectic pastimes, I could give any of them up if needed. While it’s true they are important to me, God is number one in my heart and though I occasionally spend too much time or energy indulging other things, the Lord’s Spirit draws me back to Himself and I am quick to return. Idolatry, in its many forms, is still a source of temptation for me. D.L Moody defined it this way, “Whatever you make most of is your god. Whatever you love more than God is your idol.” For me that temptation is to put my own will above God’s will. Sometimes when I see what God is asking of me, I rebelliously assert that I know better. I fear uncertainty and I selfishly cling to my own plans, loving my own way more than God’s. I haven’t considered this idolatry before, but it boils down to worshipping my own will and wisdom over God’s, and that definitely fits the definition. So my prayer is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.” I know He is trustworthy and true (Deuteronomy 7:9), so I purpose to choose His will over mine, breaking down my false idols.

3) How does God bring the consequences of iniquity on the generations? (verse 5)
I love watching programs about ancestry that help people create a family tree. It’s interesting to discover how families stay for generations in one place or pursue one occupation. Occasionally one enterprising person will pull up stakes and move across the country, starting a new family line for generations in a new location. Many people live in the same area where their 5^th great-grandfather settled without even realizing his decision impacted their present situation. God describes a similar situation in the Bible, but with dire consequences. He tells the Israelites in Exodus 20:5 not to worship other gods, “Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, bringing the consequences of the fathers’ iniquity on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.” The decisions we make impact those around us, especially our families. Children learn what we teach them, and when we model hating God by worshipping other “gods” like wealth, entertainment, materialism, or comfort, we are impacting their lives in significantly negative ways. If they don’t change and turn towards God, then we have also impacted their children. God not only warns us what can happen if we teach our children the wrong way, but He also tells us the positive consequences of teaching them to follow Him. Proverbs 22:6 gives us a wise principle; if we teach our kids to love God and follow His ways, even when they grow old they won’t digress. If we love God, even the mistakes we make can be worked out for our good and God’s glory in our lives. (Romans 8:28) We aren’t expected to be perfect, just to offer ourselves wholly to love and worship God alone. Our families will catch what we model!

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