Jesus And His Zeal! Series

The word "zeal" is used 40 different times in the Bible. It is defined as "getting excited and having a strong passion for a cause. Getting energized, or being relentless or fervent in spirit as it is described in the Bible.

We see the zealousness of God in the OT as a couple of examples, One, . . ."For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant . . . and the zeal of the Lord shall do this. " (2 Kings 19:31) and Two, "the establishing of His Kingdom. . . will perform it." (Isaiah 9:7). In other words what God will accomplish will be shown with great zeal!

When Jesus came to earth, His whole life and ministry was shown by His zeal. John 4:34 says, "My food is to do the will of the Father, and to finish it." He showed it in His preaching, teaching, praying, and His miracles. His zeal was in showing just how much He loved ALL people.

Most of all was the example of Him casting out the moneychangers, and over throwing the tables in the temple. Someone stated, "This was not an act of cruelty, as no one was killed, including the animals, but it was act of judgement on a system of false religion." Jesus was zealous for the Father' House to be pure and to continue as a House of Prayer.

There are three different verses in the NT for believers to be zealous for our Lord as Jesus was for His Father.

1. Romans 12:11, says, "Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." This means in every thing we do... witnessing, praying, studying the Bible... have a strong energy in doint it.

2. Galatians 4:18 says, "It is a fine thing to be zealous, providing the purpose is good and not just when I am with you. " Don't do it for show, but with integrity be zealous at all times.

3. Revelations 3:19, Jesus told the Church of Laodecia as they were not or cold, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten., Be zealous therefore, and repent!" He wants the Church to be zealous.

Jesus gave the name to one of his disciples, Simon, The Zealot, because he was sold out for his country and for the Gospel. The early Christians were sold out, zealous, as they suffered every kind of perscution for the Gospel message.

CONCLUSION: Jesus was zealous for us to love Him and The Father, (He was consumed!) Can't we? Paul said "There is only one thing that I will do. . . One thing that I really care about. . . Only One thing that I will live for . . only One thing . . To Glorify God and my Lord Jesus Christ.!" Amen and Amen.

Presented By Larry L. Vollink, Retired Chaplain/Pastor, Cedar Springs, MI lawrenceV@comcast.net (616) 655-4129.