DAY 23 | Jealous God

Never worship any other god, because Yahweh is El Qanna (Jealous God). In fact, He is known for not tolerating rivals.
Exodus 34:14

Pronunciation Reference: אֵל קַנָּא

photography by Maxim Tajer / calligraphy by Rita Ip

MUSIC

PRAYER

I praise You, for You are a Jealous God. This unique name helps me realize that I am zealously loved and cherished by You. Your covenant love demands exclusive loyalty, and unfaithfulness is utterly intolerable.

Thank You for establishing a covenant with me, sealed by the precious blood of Jesus. You are consistently faithful and true to me, always patiently drawing me back to You when I stray.

Forgive me for being unaware of how deeply it actually hurts You each time I go after something other than You.

Circumcise my heart so that I can love You with all my soul and strength. Cultivate within me an undivided devotion to You.

Because You are a Jealous God, I solemnly declare my commitment to keeping Your covenant of love.

A few facts…

The term Qanna or Kana (קַנָּא) signifies a state of jealousy or zeal. It is an adjective derived from the Hebrew feminine noun Qinah (קִנְאָה), which encompasses ardour (a strong feeling of energy or eagerness), zeal, or jealousy.
God has entered into a covenant of love with His people, repeatedly comparing it to a marriage. He demands exclusive faithfulness and loyalty from His covenant people because He is zealous and passionately committed to ensuring the very best for His loved ones, unwilling to see them destroyed by idolatry.
Illustrations of other Biblical figures who exemplified godly jealousy include Phinehas(Numbers 25), David (Psalm 69:9), Elijah (1 Kings 19:10–14), Jesus (John 2:13–17), and Paul (2 Corinthians 11:1–4).

SMILE & BREATHE

In a quiet place, grab your favorite drink. Sit comfortably, slow your breath, and let your muscles unwind.

Smile, for He loves you with a burning love!

Inhale gently, picturing His love as a radiant flame.

Pause for a moment, feeling His fire cleanse your heart, removing impurities.

Exhale slightly longer than your inhale, slowly releasing all that hinders you from Him – people, things, or thoughts.

Exercise 1:

TWO-WAY JOURNALING

Today, we will engage in a written conversation with the Jealous God. I find this title of God particularly intriguing, and I hope that through this exercise, you will be guided by the Holy Spirit into a profound and meaningful dialogue with Him. Take the time to attentively listen to His response, and document the conversation.

[Part 1]
Dear Father / Jealous God …
[Part 2]
Dear child / (your name), …

• Tell Him what you think of your relationship with Him

• Take this opportunity to renew your covenant of love with Him (check out Wesleyan Covenant Prayer, you may express it in your own words)

• Describe your personal experience of “His jealousy” if you have any

• Ask Him to reveal anything in your life that provokes His jealousy

• Tell Him about what makes you jealous, process your thoughts and feelings with Him.
Check out Appendix 2 for more.

Exercise 2:

DECLARATION

He is the Jealous God, He passionately desires your unwavering devotion. How does this resonate with your daily life? Take a moment to reflect and record your personal declaration.

Because You are the Jealous God, I declare I can / I will / I am…

Speak your declaration aloud, both to Him and yourself. Repeat it until it deeply resonates within your heart. Consistently practicing this will gradually transform your declarations into your lived reality.

Day 23 of HE has come to a close. As we conclude today, my prayer is that the One who initiated this covenant of love will nurture within you a wholehearted dedication to Him.