So I was reading this morning and this verse hit me like a Mack truck. 

 “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.”
~~2 Kings 10:16~~

Zeal in Hebrew (qin’ah) means ardor.  This same word is used when speaking of the “jealousy” (possessive protection/love) of a man for his wife.  

The dictionary definition of “ardor” is:  great warmth of feeling; fervor; passion; intense devotion, eagerness, or enthusiasm; burning heat; intense passionate feeling; intensely devoted; fierce; burning, hot, fiery.  I don’t know about you, but I often learn as much from the synonyms of words than from their definitions.  Check this out…synonyms of “ardor” are fervency, spirit, earnestness, intensity, constant, steadfast, impassioned, spirited.  

The dictionary definition for “zeal” is:  fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence.  Check out the synonyms: determination, perseverance, intensity, readiness.

After looking up those definitions, I began my attempt to apply it all.  My thoughts went something like this….

Since (qin’ah) was the same word used for possessive protection and love of a man for his wife, and since I am the bride and Christ is the Bridegroom (Revelation 19:7), and since I know that He is jealous for me (Exodus 34:14)…am I jealous for Him??  

Am I quick to defend Him?  

Am I protective of my time with Him?  

Do I live to show He’s the only One for me?

If ardor means “burning, hot, and fiery”, am I on fire enough for God to affect those around me??

Does how I live my life warm them up to thoughts of Jesus?  Does my “zeal” ignite their hearts to blaze for my Savior?

When Moses came down from being with God on the mountain, his face was radiant.  People could see he’d been with Jesus.  Can people tell when I’ve been with Jesus?   Moses’ radiance faded when he left the presence of God, but mine doesn’t have to because God dwells within me.  My radiance should never fade…unless I am allowing sin and the flesh to block “the glow”.

These are some thoughts that God has challenged me to meditate on today.  So I thought I’d “pay it forward” and share with you too.  You’re welcome (grin).  With that being said…..

If someone “came along with you” for a day, what would their take-away be?

“Come along with me and see my zeal for ___________________.”  You fill in the blank…