In my personal experience, one of the topics that is frequently avoided, rarely discussed or encouraged in conservative evangelical (especially reformed) circles is the concept of zeal, especially biblical zeal. It seems that whenever the idea of zeal comes up, it is often promptly dismissed with the trepidatious notion that it inevitably leads those who embrace it into practical or doctrinal error. In the minds of many, it may even carry implied connotations that it’s a trait found mainly in new converts exploding with newfound enthusiasm at their apprehension of salvation by Christ; as if zeal is only accompanied by untaught persons who are fairly new to the faith.

However, when we appeal to the biblical data, we find that zeal is considered a crucial attribute for all followers of Jesus (Ro. 12:11; Titus 2:14). In fact, Jesus Himself was touted as not only having small spurts of zeal here and there, but rather “consuming zeal” (John 2:17). This was the kind of zeal that provoked such righteous indignation that He overturned tables and drove out money changers from the temple (Jn. 2:13-16).

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” 

John 2:13-16

True Godly Zeal

Now, if you notice, Jesus demonstrates what true godly zeal looks like. It is not marked by selfish pride or an overweening desire to be right, nor is it portrayed as a tactless approach by an overzealous fledgling convert. In verse 16, we see a genuine zeal for God that stems from a pure longing to see God’s name and renown revered throughout the earth. Jesus’ zeal was driven by a holy jealousy for the glory of God, ensuring that it would not be obscured or profaned by such gross sacrilege and false worship—such as buying and selling in the house of God.

Imagine walking into church, on the Lord’s day, to see a bunch of food vendors like Starbucks, Five Guys, and Dairy Queen selling their food to people right before the call to worship. The pervasive aroma of freshly ground coffee beans, burgers, and waffle cones fills the building. You look around to see everyone laughing, buying, and carrying on without any concern or hesitation. Finally something within you bursts out with indignation that the worship of God is so brazenly profaned. You can no longer tolerate it. Immediately you raise your voice and firmly declare, “Remove these things! Stop turning My Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:16)

Hopefully this analogy allows us to somewhat resonate with what was transpiring in the Lord’s heart when He cleansed the temple.

His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house will consume me.”

John 2:17

Not to mention, it is entirely possible that others at the temple felt “uneasy” about what was going on but didn’t act on it. However, Jesus demonstrated that a “consuming zeal” (Jn. 2:17) doesn’t just stop at feeling uncomfortable; it also compels one to take action. And it appears that Jesus was the only one who took action.

What was the reason for this? Jesus was so absorbed with an overmastering passion to see His Father’s glory unobscured. He was so zealous and jealous for the undiluted, unadulterated praise of His Father that it was impossible for Him to remain silent.

Torrid Zeal

In light of this vignette, it’s important to pause and reflect on ourselves. How often do we ask God for an overmastering zeal for His glory like what Jesus had? How often are our lives marked with white-hot zeal for the love of Christ? Would you describe yourself as having a “consuming zeal”? Is your passion for the glory of God so intense that you’re willing to expose and call out whatever that obscures the glory of God?

Here’s an insightful excerpt from Charles Spurgeon on the topic of zeal,

“Zeal–what is it? How shall I describe it? Possess it, and you will know what it is. Be consumed with love for Christ, and let the flame burn continuously, not flaming up at public meetings and dying out in the routine work of every day.”

– Charles Spurgeon: Lectures To My Students, Vol 1-4

My sincere prayer is that we would recognize the times when our zeal is lacking and ardently long for a fresh torrential downpour of the Spirit of God upon our lives. May the Lord revive the church and give us a torrid zeal to see the glory of God echo throughout the nations in electrifying praise!