“But you shall destroy their altars, break their sacred pillars, and cut down their wooden images 14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God), 15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they play the harlot with their gods and make sacrifice to their gods, and one of them invites you and you eat of his sacrifice, 16 and you take of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters play the harlot with their gods and make your sons play the harlot with their gods. 17 “You shall make no moulded gods for yourselves.” Exodus 34:13-17 NKJV
“Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. 30 So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses talked with them. 32 Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them as commandments all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai.” Exodus 34:29-32 NKJV
Lord God,
Sometimes I forget that the Bible was written thousands of year ago in another language and I read it like it is the truth which it is. But sometimes the word used has changed or there is not a similar word? Jealous God. Some translations use the word zealous, and You are that, enthusiastic for Your people. But also protective, wanting the best and You also cannot overlook when Your people are unfaithful. Hence the many many judgements on the Israelites. Bu then we cannot put our human understanding of jealous on You God as you are not a man. But Your people Israel needed to know the discipline of being Your chosen people.
They had such testimony to Your being their rescuer and provider. They had seen many miracles. Then they could tell when Moses was repeating Your words because his face shone from the reflection of Your glory! Imagine if the preachers face actually lit up like a beacon when he preached Your Word! You carved the commandments on two new stone tablets and they renewed their covenant with You (Exodus 34:1,10). But we know it did not last long.
Your Zealousness both gives me a little sense of fear (respect not terror) and a lot of security. You are not a God who goes off and does something else. Sometimes when I have spend time in Your presence I feel like I am shining. I cannot quite explain that. And we do not want to become vain or think we are special. You show no favouritism (Romans 2:11). Keep us finding time, to ensure we are keeping our covenant with You through Jesus. And like Moses, finding time to keep counsel with You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Worship Saturday 31st January 2026
Says it all. Sometimes its not all abut praise and upbeat worship. But then another time it is . . .
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow Thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Lyrics: William D Longstaff