The Zeal of Christ
Jesus was a true radical. He was not passive or indifferent. He lived with intensity and vigor. His life was purpose-driven and each day was lived as if it were His last. When the disciples of Jesus saw his anger, when Temple was being used as a market place, they remembered the prophecy in the Psalms that said: “For zeal for your house has consumed me…” (Ps. 69.9; John 2.17) His zeal moved Him to action. He made a whip with cords, turned over the tables of the money-changers and drove out the sheep and cattle. I am sure His zeal made His disciples a bit nervous, because zeal takes one down a road not many are willing to walk. Zeal places one on the front line. Zeal provokes criticism and persecution.
When one is zealous he doesn’t even notice the inconveniences. He goes the extra mile without even realizing he has done it. Mark recounts the time when Jesus was at home and so many people had gathered around Him that He could not even eat. He didn’t complain about the inconvenience, but when His family saw this multitude in their house they exclaimed: “He is out of His mind.” (Mark 3.21) What is your reaction to a zealous person? Would you say, “He has gone too far”, or, “Now He is a real fanatic”? The Pharisees’ reaction was to call Him demon possessed. They missed it completely. They were zealous about the law, but had no discernment as to true spirituality.
The opposite of zealousness is being lukewarm. The lukewarm are people pleasers. They don’t want to rock the boat. They play it safe, so as not to be noticed or the subject of ridicule and slander. But this position places one in opposition to God. The church in Laodicea was like this and God said that He would spit them out of His mouth. In God’s eyes there is nothing worse than a lukewarm Christian. His love is red hot. He is passionate. He is zealous and we are to be like Him. Does His zeal for His house consume you? Does His love constrain you?
You can test your zealousness by observing peoples reaction to you. Has anyone called you crazy lately? Has anyone told you to calm down, or that you are getting too radical or too zealous for Christ? Many get zealous for the wrong things; like football, TV or music. Paul was zealous in persecuting the church. What pushes your buttons? What are you zealous for? The Macedonian church was zealous in their giving. They went beyond their means and sacrificially gave toward the work of God. I am sure there were those who criticized their generosity, saying: “We can’t afford to give that much. Give less. Don’t be foolish.” But nothing could hold them back, because they were zealous for the Kingdom of God.
The zeal of Christ causes one to do whatever he does with all his heart. He worships with all his heart. He serves with all his heart. He prays fervently and gives extravagantly. Don’t let the status quo hold you back. Don’t slow down because others are indifferent and lukewarm. Be a hot-chilly-pepper. Burn with the zeal of Christ. Encourage others to be zealous, by being zealous. Radical, zealous Christians will change the world.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Ps. 69.9; John 2.17; II Cor. 9.2; Rom. 12.8; Mark 3.21-31