I entered the 70th decade of my life about six months ago, and it took about that long for the spiritual word of the week begin with the letter Z.
“Zeal.” I’m not feeling it. Zeal implies energy, even youth.
When I ponder on that word, however, I recognize my zeal for a good nap on Sunday afternoons. I am zealous for rest and peace and the simple kind of joy.
Lord, thank you for directing my zeal—age appropriately. I’d climb a mountain were the instructions clear and clearly from you. I’d drive across the country or fly to the ends of the earth should you require it, but you have required no such thing of me.
Isaiah was a gray-haired, old man, based on all the artwork, yet the Lord used him to pen these words: “… but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, CSB).
I am zealous for the brand of zeal Isaiah had. Just like Isaiah, there is no mission, task or good deed before me that the Lord himself did not provide.
My job for today is clear, and there’ll be no rest or peace until it’s done. If I’m to feel the zeal, it will come after obedience. And that means I will visit my neighbor to deliver an invitation to celebrate the resurrection with me on Sunday. She mentioned how she used to go to church and “loved it.” But then didn’t respond to my first invitation. That’s a zeal buster … because I let it be.
If I had to choose between zeal and obedience, I think obedience should come first, but must I choose? Do I need zeal to obey, and doesn’t obedience to the Lord’s voice bring me zeal?
Why do I sit and contemplate “zeal,” when I can have it?
Friend, can we talk later? I’ve got to visit a neighbor. It’s urgent. Sunday is Resurrection day, and I’m not getting any younger.
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