Zealot versus zealous

I loved the line in this episode of The Chosen: "I'm not a Zealot anymore - just zealous."

Where Simon the Zealot fought for a kingdom by force and violence, he is now learning from Jesus that building Jesus' kingdom is not by force and violence. Simon has laid down his weapons. His zeal, however, is still there.

Nothing wrong with zeal.

Nothing wrong with passion.

Nothing wrong with diligence and desire.

The question we may ask is: Where is this passion, this zeal focused on?

Today we reflect on two texts that both have to do with passion, desire, diligence. We read about Jesus about whom it is written, "Passion for Your house will consume Me."

Passion for Your House

The passion at issue here is Jesus' passion for the house of God. Perhaps from the Old Testament, you should think of the people of Israel, or the temple, for example. In the section in John, you see this passion in relation to the temple, and if you read a little further in Matthew 2, you come across the themes of prayer, healing, and worship. A God who wants to be worshiped. A God who heals. Jesus' sacrifice - the tearing down of His "temple" - makes that possible.

With Jesus, you see passion for this. Passion. Desire.

Passion that consumes

But note that this is no sweet passion. Both the people in the temple with their commerce and money and Jesus Himself were affected by this passion. This passion, this desire of eventually bringing people back into relationship with God Himself, cost Him everything. It consumed Him. He gave His life so that you and I can be worshippers, and can be healed. How special is that?

Passion for ...

Back to your desire and mine. Simon says, "I have laid down my weapons, but I am still zealous. Jesus is my Master, and I go with all passion and zeal for Him. How is that with you? Do you also want to go for Him that way?

Like Simon, things in life will probably and regularly go wrong. Don't let that extinguish your passion! Learn from what went wrong and hold on to Jesus. He is watching your heart.

Take the following questions to think about:

• What do you think of Simon's statement?
• What are you diligent about? What do you have passion for?
• How may Jesus use your passion and desire?

Prayer: "Lord, today I have been impressed by Your desire and passion. Your zeal. Focused on the things of God. In a way, that cost You everything. I don't know if I can live that way too, but, Lord, would You help me? Would You kindle my desire, and would You help me to go with passion for the things of You? Amen."