Foul Not

FOUL NOT

Part seven of seven devotions in The World of Jealousy series

2 Corinthians 11:1-2

“I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Him.”

There is a godly side of jealousy we haven’t discussed. God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:4). He paid a very high price for you: God’s one and only Son Jesus died so that you could be in His family. Everyone who believes in Jesus as Lord is seen as holy before the Father (1 Thessalonians 1:10). In Jesus, believers become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Wouldn’t you agree that whatever cost you dearly is the possession of which you’re most jealous? Ephesians 1:14 says that the Holy Spirit is a “deposit guaranteeing [believers] inheritance,” which is the redemption of those who are God’s precious possession.

That’s where we come in. In Chaos devotion, Chester cried, Foul!” when Wally got a bloody nose while trying to shoot a layup. If Wally would see Chester doing something wrong, he would urge him to do the right thing.

We truly are our brother’s keeper. Foul not!

The opening Scripture shows apostle Paul’s godly jealousy towards Christians. He is responsible for Christian belief because he promised Christ that he’d present us as “pure virgins.” That means that Paul preached the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul, like every teacher, is accountable to Christ—believers' husband—that our faith comes from correct doctrine (Titus 2:1).

Guys, it’s not weird that Christians are the “bride of Christ.” Be proud that Jesus names boys as His brothers! (Mark 3:35). That means that Jesus is coming for you one day to take you home as His bride (Revelation 19:7).

Wally and Chester never discussed their faith. Many people don’t talk about religion in their daily lives. But those who care for one another, and treat each other with kindness, show their love. (John 13:35). Believers should care for one another in love—even a jealous love—because we know to whom we belong. For example, we try to stop cursing—and call out others who curse—because we know that God loves the curser!

Take Home Nugget

We see God’s jealous love in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus healed the sick, then told them to “sin no more.” Believers are to “fear not. “ So, as Christ followers, we remind ourselves—and each other—“Foul Not.”
Heavenly Father, May Your kids show jealous love for one another by encouraging right living in Lord Jesus. Help us to foul not, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

J.D. Griffith


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