Jealous Hearts

But the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some scoundrels from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. Attacking Jason's house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly. When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too, and Jason has received them as guests! They are all acting contrary to Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another King-Jesus!" The Jews stirred up the crowd and the city officials who heard these things. So taking a security bond from Jason and the others, they released them. Acts 17:5-9

Jason and his household are now caught in the Jews jealousy. I notice the phrase: 'but the Jews became jealous,' is frequent throughout the book of Acts. Jealousy is dangerous.

Yesterday at church we heard about the effects of jealousy. Social media can incite jealousy. We must be mindful they people put up their best sides, well, usually. With the advent of 'Live,' on Facebook I am seeing some not so polished views of famous people, and this is humorous.

We need to be mindful of that which incites us to jealous behaviour, especially the desire to steal or kill the experiences of others.

The accusation that Paul was promoting another King- Jesus was the same accusation that had Jesus crucified. It was convenient to accuse Him and His followers of that which was punishable by Roman law. 

Paul was jealous for the gospel and this only should we be jealous for. We're the Jews jealous because they themselves did not discover Christ? Why not rejoice that He had come and was available to them also? Jealousy really shows how self-centered we are. Amen!