Read: Exodus 20:4-6
Reflect: I’m not an outdoorsy girl and fishing was one of Dad’s passions, not mine. In his eyes, it provided one on one time where we could talk and connect on a deeper level. There were many years where I was an unwilling participant. I often lost my footing in the rapids and mosquitos would eat me alive. I would much rather be talking with my friends on the phone, going to the mall, or watching the latest episode of my favorite TV show than traipsing around nature as a bug buffet. But as I grew, I eventually began to enjoy and look forward to these times with Dad.
On one of our fishing trips, Dad was teaching me how to scan for and see where the fish were. There was a giant fish meandering around the outcropping of rocks I was fishing from. He patiently gave me instructions on how to cast my line and entice the fish to take the bait. It’s one of my favorite memories with him as I could see how much he was enjoying this time with me. I did not catch that fish that day. It bit the worm, hook and all, snapping the line before swimming away. But I did catch a lesson I’ll never forget. Dad was jealous for my time and affection. He wanted to teach me things, know me, for me to know him, and how much he loved and cared about me. I learned to trust his guidance through our time spent together.
Apply: Our relationship with our Heavenly Father can be a bit like this. In our immaturity and selfishness, we would rather be doing other things, investing our time in other ways, but God is jealous for our time, attention, and affection. Exodus 34:14 says, “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a Jealous God.” Whenever we want or rely on something more than God, anything we look to for greater fulfillment than Him is an idol in our lives. His heart is for us to know Him. He wants to teach us His ways. Through our time with Him, we will learn how much He loves us and to trust His guidance.