Burn Again: Zeal for the Lord
It was a long dream, and honestly, I do not remember much of it. Nor did I make an effort to recall all the details when I woke up. But one moment remained clear.
There was a man who seemed to be looking over his shoulder, like someone preparing to leave. Then he said one word:
“Zeal.”
He even spelled it out: “Z-E-A-L.”
Perhaps he already knew I would question what I had heard. Did he say seal—like a wax seal or the animal? But no. The word was zeal: Z-E-A-L.
Zeal: A Burning Passion
In both the Hebrew and Greek concordances, the words translated as zeal carry the idea of burning passion. Depending on the context, that passion can be directed toward either good or evil—toward God, or toward something that merely looks like God but has become an idol.
In this context, however, zeal speaks of a passion that:
Protects God’s honor
Pursues truth and holiness
Springs from faithful love
Serves and follows the Lord with love and joy
Reflects God’s character
As I continued reflecting on this, I heard:
“Burn again.”
I believe many have lost their fire through the trials of life. Some might call it becoming lukewarm. But I am not speaking merely about becoming inactive in religious activities. I am speaking about becoming lukewarm in our pursuit of a relationship with God—in abiding and remaining in intimate fellowship with the Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Perhaps some have grown weary of reflecting Him—His character and His love. Perhaps they have simply become tired.
A Passion Misunderstood
As I continued to reflect on this, I was led to Psalm 69. Here are some passages from Psalm 69 in The Passion Translation:
“God, my life is an open book to you. You know every sin I’ve ever done. For nothing within me is hidden from your sight! Lord YAHWEH of Angel Armies, keep me from ever being a stumbling block to others, to those who love you. Lord God of Israel, don’t let what happens to me be the source of confusion to those who are passionate for you. Because of my love for you, Lord, I have been mocked, cursed, and disgraced. Even my own brothers, those of my family, act as though they don’t want anything to do with me. My love for you has my heart on fire! My passion for your house consumes me! Nothing will turn me away, even though I endure all the insults of those who insult you. When they see me seeking for more of you with weeping and fasting, they all just scoff and scorn at my passion. When I humble myself with sorrow over my sin, it gives them a reason to mock me even more. The leaders, the influential ones—how they scorn my passion for you! I’ve become the talk of the town, the theme of drunkards’ songs. But I keep calling out to you, YAHWEH! I know you will bend down to listen to me, for now is the season of favor. Because of your faithful love for me, your answer to my prayer will be my sure salvation.”
—Psalms 69:5–13
“For I know, YAHWEH, that my praises mean more to you than all my gifts and sacrifices. All who seek you will see God do this for them, and they’ll overflow with gladness. Let this revive your hearts, all you lovers of God! For YAHWEH does listen to the poor and needy and will not abandon his prisoners of love. Let all the universe praise him! The high heavens and everyone on earth, praise him! Let the oceans deep, with everything in them, keep it up! God will come to save his Zion-people. God will build up his cities of Judah, for there his people will live in peace. All their children will inherit the land, and the lovers of his name will live there safe and secure.”
—Psalms 69:31–36
Many have been misunderstood and wounded by the church—even by people they once called brothers and sisters in Christ. Some have been hurt by spiritual fathers and mothers, and others by their own families and friends.
Their passion for the Lord was misinterpreted because it did not align with the traditions, expectations, and ways of men or the surrounding culture.
Many have been confined within a box, while others are still being pressured to enter one. The world often places the highest value on what can be explained through theology, intellect, and mental assent. Yet the experience of knowing God as a Father, Jesus as a Brother, and the Holy Spirit as a Friend can seem foreign to many.
Personal encounters with God are sometimes frowned upon. Yet the Word is not merely information. The Word is a Person—Jesus Christ.
Burn Again
I believe this is a reminder from the Heavenly Father:
Do not be swayed by the people around you. Burn again for Him.
Fan the flames. Lock your heart into zeal for the Lord.
Regardless of what your circumstances look like, this is a season of favor. Remain locked into Him. Keep your gaze upon the Father. Lift your head toward your Helper, the Lord God Almighty.
You have already inherited the land. You are safe and secure in His arms.
And here's the Heart of the Heavenly Father (Watch and Read along)
