James 4

Scripture

James 4:5

 

5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

James, the brother of Jesus, continues to write to Jewish Christians to "encourage them to continue growing in their new Christian faith (got questions.org)." In this chapter, James is encouraging them to submit to God and flee from the desires of the world, "for the spirit that the Lord has caused to dwell in them is jealous for their affection(vs. 5)." The way the footnotes paraphrased it is "that the Spirit he caused to dwell in us longs jealously."

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

God is a jealous God.

 

The Lord will not settle for 2nd place in our lives. His Spirit wants to be the first and the only One in our hearts. He desires all our affection, all our time, all our heart, soul, mind and strength. 

 

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 34:14 NLT

 

For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. 

Deut. 4:24 ESV

 

Life Application

 

Submit to Christ's love for us.

 

When we submit to Christ's love for us as our bridegroom, everything else pales in comparison. For the past few weeks, Pastor has been speaking about the church being the bride of Christ. In marriage, sometimes we think that jealousy is a bad thing, but honestly, if a spouse is not jealous for his bride and if he is okay with her giving her focus and attention to someone else (or vice versa), then there's a problem. It's no different with our relationship with the Lord. He loves and desires relationship with us and we break His heart when we choose the world over Him. There is an ongoing spiritual battle ensuing in the lives of believers (Eph. 6:12), but as we DAILY choose to submit to Him, be in His Word, pray, sing songs of praise, stay connected to the Body and stand firm in the faith, the devil flees. 

 

Dear Lord, please forgive me for the many times I have broken Your heart when I've chosen to sleep in in the morning instead of spending time with You or when I've desired things not in line with my calling in life and identity in You or when I've complained instead of been grateful for Your love for me. Thank You that You are jealous for my affection and that You relentlessly pursue me as a result. With Your Spirit's help, I commit to choose You everyday as You have chosen me. Amen.

 

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-Michelle Gaddi