Sunday 9, August 2026

Today’s Holy Nougat is a lesson for us all. Let’s ponder prayerfully

Acts 5:17 CEVDCI

[17] The high priest and all the other Sadducees who were with him became jealous.

Jealousy Within

When YHWH gave the Israelites their terms of the covenant (i.e., the Ten Commandments), the word “jealous” is explicitly referenced. YHWH self-described as jealous, which referred to an expectation of exclusiveness in relationship. Strong’s Concordance states that jealousy in the Exodus 20 context refers to one’s ‘zeal’, based on deep affection for someone and resulting in fierce intolerance of rivals. This was typical language used by powerful leaders in Ancient Near Eastern treaties (covenants). The authors of Strong’s suggest that in the text, it was used in a marital sense to refer to YHWH’s expectation of complete devotion from the Children of Israel. I’d argue that it’s both: YHWH is both spouse and sovereign.

In the Acts 5 context, we note that the jealousy of the Chief Priests and Sadducees is not quite the same as YHWH’s. Theirs was fleshy or human jealousy. Human jealousy is often rooted in selfish pride, insecurity, and discontentment over others’ gifts and/or possessions. YHWH warns against it explicitly, as it is the final directive of the Ten Commandments: You shall NOT covet (see Exodus 3:17).

When we juxtapose YHWH’s jealousy alongside human jealousy, it becomes apparent that human jealousy often leads us to sin, whereas YHWH’s jealousy protects us from sin. The Bible offers us very practical references about the dangers of jealousy; the first being that of Cain toward his brother Abel.

Point to Ponder

Are there situations that YHWH would permit us to be jealous?

Deeper Dive

As we reflect on our Nougat, we note that despite their outward piousness, the Chief Priests and Sadducees were harbouring jealousy internally. It tells us that jealousy can be part of our lives when we’re in Christ if we aren’t careful. Although our version of the Nougat says the Pharisees became jealous, the Greek used a stronger phrase – ‘they were filled with jealousy’. The two phrases are not the same thing.

To ‘become jealous’ is momentary. It implies a response to a trigger (something that has begun to spark an action). It can still be overcome in the short term. But, if uncontrolled, that momentary jealousy can consume one’s emotions to the extent that ‘sin crouches at the door’, seeking opportunity to act.

We can prevent jealousy from filling us with the help of God’s Spirit. It is extremely difficult to address it by ourselves, especially when it festers. As we invite God’s Spirit to take over, we may seek to:

– Celebrate the gifts/skills demonstrated in the other.

– Affirm our own gifts, recognising that God gifts us all uniquely to strengthen God’s work through us all.

– Allow God’s Spirit to remove every iota of envy – even if disguised as ‘good intentioned’ gossip.

– Invite God’s Spirit to place an alert in our spirits when we are inclined toward lust, malice, deceit, hypocrisy, and selfish intent.

– Yield to God’s Spirit, as those vices (and voices) are removed from our own.

Siblings, we can defeat jealousy and prevent it from taking control over us. By God’s grace, we’ll overcome.

Self-Check

How intentional are we in guarding our spirits against jealousy? Let’s recommit to doing so right now.

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May all we seek be found in Christ