Psalm 119:139

Psalm 11-9:139

Zeal for the Lord

Zeal and enthusiasm for a cause are powerful tools. Those who lead projects and drive ventures need a generous dose of it, there’s no point in taking on a challenge or a leadership role if we have no zeal! Politicians need zeal. Captains of sports teams need zeal. Office managers need zeal as do schoolteachers, health workers and just about every other kind of occupation. We don’t all have it but its always good to walk in the footsteps of someone who has. Zeal shows that we believe in the cause, that we are excited about its outcomes, and we are glad to be involved. The worst possible reaction is when we try to stir a group of people, or an individual, with our zeal and they take no notice! Every group has them, the ones who simply ignore us or, even worse, those who deliberately talk us down or put obstructions in the way. Most of us have suffered like this and the psalmist felt the same kind of rejection, no matter how zealously he promoted the words of the Lord and the laws of the Lord, his enemies took no notice, they were not interested, they cared nothing for his pleadings.

The response from churches is no often different, we enthusiastically throw ourselves into a programme of evangelism and people ignore our endeavours.  We organise a special time of prayer and very few turn up. We are bursting with excitement as we share some fresh revelation from God’s Word and people look bored. It can be very disheartening at times and most of us have had these experiences, to the point when our zeal runs out. You see, it’s not only our enemies but sometimes our friends who turn away, disinterested. So, don’t be too disheartened when you are ignored, remember, they ignored Jesus too! It’s hard to imagine Him not speaking with zeal and passion for the cause for which He had been sent. Yes, we all get tired and, yes, the way ahead can seem very daunting but our role is to be faithful and to keep going whatever the cost. Hallelujah! 

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