Psalm 106 presents a profound reflection on the history of Israel, recounting their repeated failures and God’s enduring mercy and restoration. This psalm serves as a reminder of both the faithlessness of God’s people and the unwavering faithfulness of God. It also highlights passionate pursuers - those “who act justly, who always do what is right” e.g. Passionate Phinehas. (v. 28-31, Numbers 25:1-13).
Another example is Passionate Paul, whose zeal for God was unmatched. Before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul zealously persecuted Christians, considering them a threat to Israel’s beliefs. However, after his encounter he was transformed into an ardent follower of Jesus. Paul demonstrates his burning zeal for God’s mission. (Romans 12:11)
Passionate prophet Elijah. He fearlessly confronted the prophets of Baal. In 1 Kings 19:10 Elijah passionately declares, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty.” His commitment to God’s righteousness led to miraculous demonstrations of God’s power and an enduring legacy.
Passionate prophetess/judge Deborah who led the nation into battle against their enemies. Judges 5:7 praises Deborah’s fervour, saying “Villagers in Israel would not fight they held back until I. Deborah arose, a mother in Israel.”
As passionate pursuers of Christ, we are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37). This includes developing a zeal for God that propels us to actively seek His will and serve Him. One practical way to do this is by intentionally dedicating/prioritising time for prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word. By making God the priority in our lives and seeking Him with fervour, we can cultivate a zealous love for Him that surpasses worldly distractions.
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Question:
How can we channel our zeal for God into practical actions? (James 2:17) e.g. Volunteering? Mission trips? Shopping for/visiting the housebound? Do you aspire to be known as Passionate (insert your name) - not lacking in diligence but fervent in Spirit serving the Lord?
Action:
Meditate on the lives of passionate pursuers:
- David
- Caleb
- The Apostles
- Zacchaeus
- Martin Luther King