My God Alphabet— Z: Zealous
I’ve come to the last letter of my personal “God Alphabet”. As I wrote when I first started this adventure, it is by no means the definitive or exhaustive list. Even into eternity, I believe we will forever be exploring and enjoying new facets of God’s being— including His beautiful, incomparable attributes. As John, a Bible writer put it, “If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25)
The “Z” of my God Alphabet is Zealous. Zeal is a word that few use these days, and that’s too bad because it’s rich in meaning. The word “Zeal” is jam-packed with power—combining deep emotion, loving intention, passionate enthusiasm, unflinching devotion, and determined persistence to accomplishing a purpose.
It’s how God looks at us and acts on our behalf, both personally and as His cherished, set-apart people.
No matter what you have done—good, bad, or indifferent— God zealously reaches out to you with the offer of a forgiven past, a new start and trajectory for your life, and a secure, forever relationship with Him. The plan He has for you is beyond your imagination and without comparison. He does this because of His zeal for you.
God’s zeal is also for all people! God passionately loves us, even as He continues to steadfastly accomplish the completion of His plan to renew the entire cosmos. God ‘s zeal for humanity has been in motion since the dawn of time. His plan was manifested in the person of Jesus Christ, whose coming was foretold nearly 800 years before his birth by the prophet Isaiah:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.’ Isaiah 9:6-
Did you catch that? God’s zeal—His eager desire, intense devotion, and unflinching, diligent work—always finishes what He starts. God always wins!
The same zeal of God that was accomplished in Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection and will someday culminate in His return to install a new heaven and earth, free of injustice, sin, disease, death, and goodbyes. God’s zeal will win, and we will be the beneficiaries of His victory! Why? Because of His zealous love for you and me.
But we have a problem with our spiritual eyes— sometimes we can’t see God’s zeal. The clouds of a life crisis, personal doubt, grief, or uncertainty can obscure the sunlight of God’s presence. But make no mistake about it: like the Sun God is always there, and will clear the clouds to reveal His power, love, and plans for you.
God’s zeal for us also means that He will never force Himself on us. Instead, God gives us the choice to yield to His saving grace, mercy, and love—or reject it. C.S. Lewis put it this way:
“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, in the end, "Thy will be done." All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened”
If we say “yes” to God we will enjoy Him forever, in a place He has prepared for us, perfect and perfectly fulfilling. If we say “no” to God, we have made the choice to live apart from God’s presence. The fact that you are reading this right now tells me you have the spark of desire to know and experience God. I invite you to hold this two Scriptures in your heart and mind as you seek God:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”
(Jeremiah 29:13)
I pray that you will zealously look to God in His Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other Christ followers who are truly living in and for Him. I hope this God Alphabet has stirred you to open the door even more to God, who loves you with a zeal that will never fade. Perhaps someday you will write share your own God alphabet, so that others can see what He has done for and in you.
God bless you.
Chris Atkins