It’s easy for us to read or hear about Biblical characters such as Phineas, Elijah, Esther, John the Baptist, the disciples, Jehu, Moses, Mary, Elisha, King David, and many many others who were zealous for Elohim. But, is there anyone willing to take a stand today? Would you be willing to confront a ruler, speak against a demon, walk into a court, call out sin, or face giants? How about just offering a prayer to someone who needs hope?
A world full of sinful iniquity brings about atrocities and evil deeds. Historical records as well as personal witness bring us to this awful conclusion. At times the evil surrounding us can seem overwhelming to anyone who has a heart, causing many to question the Creator, His timeline, His judgments, and His Mighty Hand. But while we may question Him, do we ever take the time to question ourselves and ask, “I am zealous for YHVH to such a point, that I am willing to be used by Him if He were to call me?”
Tim Ballard is a man who made a “Stand for Freedom” for children who are sold into sex slavery. (Over 1 million children are being trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation every year.) But, when he heard the Spirit of God speak to him, he decided to risk all that he had to follow the calling of the Spirit. He was convinced that Yah’s children are not for sale. Since that time, he has personally saved hundreds of children and has brought twice as many evil-doers to justice. Now through the efforts of a non-profit, thousands will be saved.
To honor the work being done and to motivate others to help, a short portion of Tim’s story is now being told in movie form. It’s very moving. But when I was watching this film, I had to ask myself if I was going to be a “watcher” or a “doer.” Was I going to be simply another “good-hearted” soul that does nothing but watch and complain?
King David expresses his frustrations with Yah in Psalms 13 and 79, and asks, “How long O Lord?” Though what is interesting about David’s life is that he fights with zealousness even as he asks the question. I’m thinking that when we put a similar interrogation before Yah—He answers with a statement: I called you—just like I called David!
Zeal can be defined as “focused desire, characterized by passion and commitment.” The Bible often describes YHVH and His followers as zealous. In the Old Testament, zeal is found 16 times and zealous 6 times; in the New Testament, zeal is found 5 times and zealous 7 times. Typically, the Hebrew and Greek words for “zeal” or “zealous” also carry an idea of jealousy, specifically YHVH’s jealousy for His people and His honor (Numbers 25:11 thru Phineas).
Yeshua displayed zeal when, in His devotion to God’s glory, He overturned the moneychangers’ tables and cleansed the temple of their greed (John 2:13-17, Psalm 69:9). Elijah demonstrated zeal for YHVH in his showdown with the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel (I Kings 18:20-40). The command for New Testament believers is to “never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11)
After Paul was radically transformed by the gospel, his zeal was applied toward expanding the knowledge of Messiah to as many people as he could (Rom. 15:20). He warned the Galatians against false teachers who were zealous in trying to win the Galatians over to their teaching (Galatians 4:17).
This Sabbath, we will have an opportunity to be zealous for YHVH. As a congregation, we will be making ourselves available to pray and to be used by Yah. Are you ready to take the risk?
I found a Biblical text that seems very appropriate for this moment in time. It’s found in Titus 2:11-15.
“For the grace of YHVH has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of Elohim, Yeshua Messiah, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds. 15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you.
Be Blessed,
Rollyn