It's difficult to accomplish anything very powerful when you are apathetic about it, isn't it? Many things can only be accomplished by the "zeal of the Lord." Isaiah 9:7 tells us that "Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end." How is this going to be accomplished? The rest of the Scripture says: "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." It is the passion and zeal of God that will perform this wonderful promise.
When Jesus beheld what was happening in the temple which was called "The House of Prayer" He didn't stand by indifferently. He rose up in righteous indignation and drove the sheep, oxen, and money changers from the temple, kicking over all their tables. When the disciples saw it, they remembered the Scripture: "The zeal of Thine house hath eaten me up" (John 2:17 and Psalm 69:9).
Isaiah 59:17 gives a picture of God preparing to take action: “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.” He wrapped His coat of zeal around Him.
I believe we also need the zeal of the Lord as we tackle the greatest career in the nation, that of mothering and training the next generation who will detriment the course of the nation. WE CAN'T DO IT HAPHAZARDLY. WE CAN'T DO IT APATHETICALLY. WE CAN'T DO IT HALF-HEARTEDLY. WE CAN'T DO IT PART TIME!
We must rise up in the zeal of the Lord, knowing the power and destiny of our calling and the urgency of this hour. It should consume us. Titus 2:14 exhorts us to be "zealous of good works" and the greatest work you are doing is raising your family. Do it with zeal.
May you have a wonderful day,
Nancy Campbell
Picture: Dianne Dengel photo: “Bathtime for Children.”