1 Samuel 18:5-19:24 / John 8:31-59 / Psalm 112 / Proverbs 15:12-14
You’ve probably heard jealousy referred to as “the green-eyed monster”. And I bet you’ve battled that monster; I know I have. There are probably many ways to battle and win against jealousy, but until we do, there will be some terrible consequences of allowing it to rule in our hearts. I want to once again look at the life of Saul as a lesson for us.
Before we discuss Saul, I want to tell you that Jesus dealt with jealousy from the religious leaders in John 8 . They were also infected with the “green-eyed monster” so they argued, were angry and could not see the truth of who Jesus was – the Son of the living God and the Messiah they had been waiting for.
Saul’s jealousy toward David began when the women of Israel sang this song:
“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!”
1 Samuel 18:8-10a states “This made Saul very angry. “What’s this?” he said. “They credit David with ten thousands and me with only thousands. Next they’ll be making him their king!” So, from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman.”
Do you notice the correlation between Saul becoming angry and jealous of David and an evil spirit being sent to torment him? If Saul had immediately repented of his anger and jealousy, God would have forgiven him, and I don’t believe that spirit would have hassled him.
What about for you and me? When we notice any of the works of the flesh from Galatians 5:19-21 such as envy, jealousy, anger, etc. we must immediately repent (change our minds) and ask for God’s forgiveness. If we do not, we’ll end up heading down a deep, dark hole of misery. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like. What about you? Have you been there?
Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5b “we take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
May I tell you I believe taking our thoughts captive is a matter of life and death? Spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. I say physically because our emotions when not properly processed show up as disease in our bodies.
The religious leaders were so blinded by their jealousy that they missed the joy and beauty of seeing Jesus for who He was. Jealousy will blind us to Truth and beauty, robbing us of what God intended for our lives. Don’t let that happen!
I want to encourage you strongly today to look at your heart, say a prayer for God to show you if there is anything that doesn’t belong, and quickly align yourself again with Heaven. If you will do this, times of refreshing will come and you’ll be filled with His Spirit and Joy!
