JEALOUS CHRISTIANS
“Are you jealous?” –Numbers 11:29
People who have been given a new life in Jesus and are filled with the Spirit seem especially tempted to spiritual jealousy. They’re jealous of Eldad and Medad prophesying (Nm 11:29), of Moses leading (Nm 12:1), of a stranger expelling demons (Mk 9:38), or of John and James trying to get a “spiritual” promotion (Mt 20:24).
The Lord does not tolerate spiritual jealousy. Miriam became a snow-white leper after her outbreak of jealousy against Moses (Nm 12:10). Jesus said that being drowned or maimed is preferable to falling into the sin of spiritual jealousy (Mk 9:42-47). The first murder was committed because of spiritual jealousy. Cain was jealous that Abel’s offering was accepted by God and his own was not (Gn 4:4-5). Jesus was crucified because of the jealousy of the religious leaders (Mt 27:18). The Jews of Antioch in Pisidia persecuted Paul and Barnabas because of jealousy (Acts 13:45).
Some of history’s worst sins can be attributed to spiritual jealousy. Resist any temptations to jealousy and repent of any sins of jealousy.
PRAYER: Father, may I rejoice that others are more gifted and more honored than I am.
PROMISE: “Any man who gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ will not, I assure you, go without his reward.” –Mk 9:41
PRAISE: “He has robbed death of its power and has brought life and immortality into clear light through the gospel” (2 Tm 1:10). Risen Jesus, You are worthy of praise!
