DAILY?READINGS: 2 Kings 15:32 to 16:20; Jer. 50:21-46; Titus 2:9 to 3:15
For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. 2 Corinthians 11:2a
We speak sometimes of loyalty, and then we speak of blind loyalty. The former is good, the latter is dangerous. The same can be said of jealousy. Protective, guarding jealousy is one thing; selfish, fearful jealousy is another. Paul combines the two positive qualities of loyalty and jealousy in the first six verses of this chapter. It could be described as a “zealous protection” of some very important elements of the Christian life. In Paul’s case, he was jealously loyal to the church of God, (vv. 2-3); the truth of God, (v. 4); and the ministry of God, (vv. 5-6). Like Paul, we too should strive to keep the church pure, as well as ensuring that nothing leads it away from the simplicity that is found in Christ. —Norman Craig Funston
Faith must obey its Father’s will, as well as trust His grace;
A pardoning God is jealous still for His own holiness. —Isaac Watts