The word jealous seems like something negative until you put it in the context of God

Zechariah 8.1-23

Reference: v.2 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I have always been told and remembered that our God is a jealous God, so it was no surprise to me when I read it here in Zechariah. However, it did make me think: what does that mean? The word 'jealous' in our world today does not have very positive connotations. If you are jealous of someone or something it means you are feeling territorial over what should be yours or you think you have more to offer the person or thing than where they/it is currently situated.
Is this not true of God? If we have wandered away from God and are seeking hope and life in an area that does not involve Him, then surely our Maker and giver of all life would feel slightly territorial over that which He has made. Not only that but our All-powerful, Ever-present, All-knowing Lord would also feel that what He has to offer far surpasses anything that anyone else could offer us.
If I look at it like that then I can understand that yes, our Lord is a jealous god.

Application: While 'jealous' may not be a positive attribute in a person, it is certainly a positive attribute in our God. Who does not want to be wanted by God? Who would not feel loved by a God who would go out of His way to bring you back into His fold? Our God went so far to keep us all that He even gave His only Son. Now, that is the kind of jealousy that is worth of my worship!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being so jealous that you will not let me go. Amen.