1 Kings 19:10

" I have been very jealous ." We often confound zeal for our own ends and purposes with zeal for God; often misread our own motives. Jehu cried, "Come and see my zeal for the Lord" ( 2 Kings 10:16 ); "but Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the Lord God of Israel," etc. (verses 29, 81). Saul's "zeal for the children of Israel and Judah" ( 2 Samuel 21:2 ) procured the impalemant of seven of his sons. St. Paul bears witness of the Jews, that" they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge," and testifies of himself," concerning zeal, persecuting the Church" ( Philippians 3:6 ; cf. Acts 26:9 , Acts 26:11 ). We can understand the cynical warning. Surtout, point de zele, when we remember what crimes have been committed in its name. The spirit of Elias, the spirit of fire and sword ( 2 Kings 1:10 ; 1 Kings 19:1 ), is not the spirit of our Lord or His Church ( Luke 9:55 , Luke 9:56 ). There was not improbably in this complaint something of the resentment which James and John felt when the Samaritans did not receive them. Was it not in part pique at his rejection by Israel led to Elijah's intercession against them? ( Romans 11:2 .) It is true, he begins, "They have rejected thee," but he ends, "They have rejected me" ( 1 Samuel 8:7 ). And our lamentations over the non-success of our ministry, are they inspired by the dishonour done to God, or the indifference manifested towards ourselves? There may be both pride and temper in the complaint, "He followeth not us" ( Mark 9:1-50 :88).