The Jealous Lover

First, watch the following video:

Jealous by Phil Joel

(I'm not so excited about the video as I am about the song that goes with it.)

God has been speaking to me through that song. I've never had a problem seeing God as my lover, but I hadn't thought about the God of the Universe being jealous over my affection.

It makes sense, though. If I began to turn my attention and affection toward other men, my husband would become hurt, incensed, offended, and angry. And for good reason! I've vowed to love, honor, and cherish him, forsaking all others, as long as we both live. Because he is passionately in love with me, it's understandable that he would be jealous for my affection.

Jesus is no different. He is even more passionate about me than my husband is - which is saying a lot. When I become absorbed in my own will instead of loving the things he loves, I am basically being unfaithful to him. It's understandable that he becomes jealous.

So, what does a holy, jealous lover look like?

He pursues his beloved. He woos her. She becomes his goal, his desire, his driving force. Winning and keeping her love become the single most important thing in his life. He would go to any length to win her back.

Jesus wooed me. He made an indescribable sacrifice so we could be together. From the beginning of time, he has set up events so he could be intimate with me. My whole life, he has serenaded my heart and wanted nothing more than to have my love. I am his focus, his desire.

Wow.