A God and His People, Both Zealous (Sep 27)

Joel 2:12-17

12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Zealous (Greek) - to have warmth of feeling for or against: - affect, covet (earnestly), (have) desire, (move with) envy, be jealous over

Zealous (Hebrew) - to be (causatively make) zealous, that is, jealous or envious

Zeal (Webster) – eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something, fervor, syn: passion

Joel 2:18, 21

Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people...Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.

Take a moment to look at the context around Rev. 3:19. Be zealous for God and repent. He will be zealous for you and forgive. It is time to return to God and be right before Him. Do you have a desire in your heart to have fellowship with Him? Do you long for His presence? Break out of the place of death and lackadaisy and call out to God! Let your heart burn with passion for God's righteousness and you will see that passion that God has for His people. He loved you first, after all.