For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” —
Exodus 34:14
Devotion is selfless affection and dedication to a person or principle. To be devoted is to have love, affection or admiration for someone. In a religious sense, devotion is spirituality, godliness, holiness, sanctity or consecration. God requires our wholehearted devotion and commitment to Him. He expects us to consecrate ourselves to His exclusive worship and service.Exodus 34:14
This verse reveals an attribute that many would not readily associate with God – JEALOUSY. In case you haven’t thought about it, the word ‘jealous’ in this context, means “being fiercely protective and vigilant about one’s rights or possessions.” Yes! That means God is fiercely protective of your devotion. The first of the Ten Commandments was about single-minded and exclusive worship. In Exodus 34, God again reminds the Israelites (and us) about it. Isaiah 42:8 also says, “I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images.”
What are the most common things we permit to share God’s glory or compromise our devotion to God? They include money, addictions, sports, mobile phones and relationships. Anything that becomes a daily obsession is a possible idol in your heart. The next time you find yourself subtly or indirectly putting anything above your love for God and devotion to Him, pause to remind yourself of the fact that He is a jealous God.
Prayer:
Father, help me to be totally and unreservedly devoted to You alone? I make this commitment today.Scripture Reading:
Exodus 34:10-17
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