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Zealous8:2 – About Our Name

 “I am zealous for Zion with great zeal;

With great fervor I am zealous for her.” – Zechariah 8:2

 In the Scriptures the idea of zeal and jealousy are not far apart. Indeed, both these English words can be used to describe the Hebrew word, qinah (קנאח), which refers to great passion, jealousy and envy. God describes Himself as a jealous and zealous God, jealous and zealous for His people and His glory. This zeal forms part of His basic character and is often the motivating force in His actions. The zeal of God will bring about the rejuvenation of the land of Israel (Zech. 8:1-8) as well as the eternal reign of Messiah in Zion, God says, through His prophet Isaiah, “The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.” (Isa. 9:7). Jesus acted out of zeal in cleansing the temple, the house of His Father, fulfilling the prophetic word, “Zeal for your house has eaten me up.” (Ps. 69:9; Jn. 2:17).

Zeal is a basic characteristic of the Person of God. It should therefore be a basic characteristic of His people and our relationship with our Father. Zeal is not merely reserved for young people or new believers, but is a mature choice, the natural response to the awesome God we serve and His awesome work in our lives.

“Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, Serving the Lord.” (Rom. 12:11 – Amplified Bible).

Let’s be zealous for what God is zealous for.

 Gary Blair

Zealous8:2 Coordinator