He Is: Jehovah Qanna
Because He Is - Qanna – Jealous God
“Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.” Exodus 34:14
When you think of Qanna, meaning Jealous God, we tend to think of the negative connotations of jealousy – insecurity, fear, pettiness - however that couldn’t be further from the truth when talking about our Jealous God.
The Hebrew word Qanna describes one of the most intimate aspects of God’s character – His divine love for us that is protective and faithful. A pure love.
To try and wrap your head around this extraordinary phenomena think of a marriage where both people love each other deeply and sincerely, with no angst, pettiness or misgivings until one turns their affection elsewhere. Their love and devotion is no longer for you but directed toward someone or something else. You have devoted your whole life to this person, you have done sooo much for them and they turn away from you. Now you feel the pain of wounded love - Jealousy.
He loves us so much. More than we can fathom. This is why he is described as Qanna – a Jealous God. It is His passionate commitment to His people and His absolute desire to be in right relationship with us that is the foundation of everything.
Qanna is sometimes translated as ‘zealous’ which is the perfect word to describe God’s devotion and commitment towards us. He ultimately wants what is best for us and He knows that the eternal care, identity and purpose we have when we love, worship and praise Him is ours if we devote our lives to Him. God longs for His people’s wholehearted devotion but it’s all about relationship. His pursuit of a pure, passionate relationship with us shows us the side of God who refuses to allow His creation to settle for anything less than His perfect love.
We are extremely special to Him and His heart breaks when we walk away! This wounding of the one who loves us is why the name Qanna – Jealous God – is so wonderful. Don’t ever again think of Qanna, Jealous God, in a negative or detrimental way, it is the purist, most genuine, authentic and unadulterated love that could ever be offered to us. Be sure to give God the praise, respect and devotion He deserves and remember, Qanna – Jealous God, means HE LOVES YOU!
Reflection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xni3o1BFOqU
This song, Jealous God by Know Hope Collective, has great words which are supplied in this link. Take the time to absorb these words and appreciate this incredible love that pursues us until the end of time.
– Candace Humphreys