Zeal for the New Life

This week's devotion is authored by  James Blake, prayer co-coordinator for our ministry expansion campaign.

“Zeal is like fire, ever climbing and aspiring higher; aiming beyond that which was before and aiming on toward perfection. Zeal desires more. It advances and grows from strength to strength, in and out of season.” • Samual Ward, Sermons, pp.84-86

“And He told those who sold the pigeons, ‘Take these things away; do not make My Father’s house a house of trade.’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house will consume me.’ ” • John 2:16-17

There are plenty of bold personalities throughout the Bible, but who comes to mind for you when you hear the word zeal? How about David (Psalm 69:9), Caleb (Numbers 14:24), or Paul (Philippians 3:4–8)? As for post-biblical saints, how about Luther’s stand at the Diet of Worms? At grave risk to himself, he refused to accept a watered-down version of truth. The Son of Man, of course, is the finest example of perfect zeal displayed in every area of life — He either commanded it, defined it, or both.

Zeal is an expression with greater depth than all its synonyms. It adds a special character of perseverance to passion and boldness. Samuel Ward describes zeal’s relationship to the soul as “wings to the bird and wind to the sails." Its fire is the very opposite of the lukewarm souls spit out in Laodicea (Revelation 3:15–16). Zeal is what keeps us running a race and fighting a battle that is already won. Without it, we accept a diminished expectation of His eternal blessings; with it, God’s plan is a relentless refinement in degrees toward perfection. Without it, we skim the surface of our earthly relationships; with it, we witness to others the joy of new life.

Repentance • “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire ... Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” • Revelation 3:18-19; 20

Love • “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” • John 15:12-13

Faith • “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” • 1 John 5:4

Completeness • “The glory that You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one even as We are one, I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one.” • John 17:22-23a

Prayer • “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” • Galatians 4:6

Work • “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” • Ephesians 2:10

(His) Glory • “When He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.” • 2 Thessalonians 1:10

Obedience • “Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.’ ” • Matthew 16:24

Relationship (with the Father) • “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Matthew 6:33

God came to us then at Pentecost,

His Spirit new life revealing,

That we might no more from Him be lost,

All darkness for us dispelling.

His flame will the mark of sin efface

And bring to us all His healing.

When we on that final journey go

That Christ is for us preparing,

We’ll gather in song, our hearts aglow,

All joy of the heavens sharing,

And walk in the light of God's own place,

With angels His name adoring.

“O Day Full of Grace” • LSB Hymn 503, Verses 4-5

About Mindful Monday Devotions

In our season of celebration with Tell the Wonders He Has Done, we continue in our prayerful focus as we look to the months and years ahead with thanksgiving. Join us as we remain in God's strong Word each Monday morning.