Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "jealousy". We find it in these two verses in the New Testament:
Romans 10:19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. KJV
Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. KJV
These are both the Greek word "parazeloo". Strong's Concrdance says: to stimulate alongside, i.e. ecxite to rivalry. Thayer's Greek Lexicon adds: to provoke to anger. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to stir to a sense of their need and responsibilities regarding the gospel. In these instances we have the Lord using us (the church, born again believers) to provoke the Jewish people, His original people, to desire to know Him as their Messiah. He has never given up on them, but desires for them to see Him through us! Then we also have this:
2 Corinthians 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. KJV
This is the Greek word "zelos". Strong's Concordance says: zeal; in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: excitement of mind, ardor, fervor of spirit. Ardor in embracing, pursuing, defending anything. This is Paul referring to his own love for the Church, and his desire for every born again believer to know the Lord as he does. And that is what our lives should do! When others see His work in and through us, they will long to know Him as we do! When others have seen the way you and your family have walked in love, in the face of unfair treatment, they see JESUS! When you mix hard work and commitment with Godly favor and His anointing, others see and want what you have! Provoking them to a jealousy that will cause them to seek HIM! It is a sometimes negative sounding word that is really a tool to point people in the right direction! It shows outward from an inward commitment to live a life pleasing to Jesus! That's why I like this song from Hillsong Worship called "One Thing":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
