Daily EncouragementSample

This description of the Lord comes in connection with a warning against idolatry in any form and a reminder of the deliverance from Egypt and of the covenant relationship between God and his people. The true and living God is implacably opposed to his people being seduced by any false gods, because he has set his love upon them.

The vision of God as “a consuming fire, a jealous God” runs throughout Scripture. The writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to be thankful and to worship God acceptably “with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28-29).

Both the fire and the jealousy are pure and are the expression of love. They are nonetheless awe-inspiring. Someone has said, “Wrath kindled by love is the fiercest flame that burns.” The eyes which gaze on sinners with compassion and on saints with steadfast love appeared to John “like a flame of fire” (Rev. 1:14, AV). This is the perfect manifestation of the love which “is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire” (S of S. 8:6).