"Francis Chan’s mother died giving birth to him. The only affection he can remember receiving from his father lasted about thirty seconds when he was on the way to his stepmother’s funeral aged nine. When he was twelve, his father also died. Francis cried, but also felt relieved.
Francis is now a pastor. He and his wife, Lisa, have five children. When his children were born, his own love for his children and his desire for their love was so strong that it opened his eyes to how much God desires and loves us. He said, ‘Through this experience, I came to understand that my desire for my children is only a faint echo of God’s great love for me and for every person he made … I love my kids so much it hurts.’
When Francis Chan was asked why he called his first book Crazy Love, he replied, ‘The idea of Crazy Love has to do with our relationship with God. All my life I’ve heard people say, “God loves you.” It’s probably the most insane statement you could make to say that the eternal Creator of this universe is in love with me. There is a response that ought to take place in believers, a crazy reaction to that love. Do you really understand what God has done for you? If so, why is your response so lukewarm?’
British culture tends to be very suspicious of zeal. But ‘zeal’ is a word that is used often in the Bible. Zeal implies an intense or passionate desire. Perhaps a good modern translation of the word ‘zeal’ is ‘crazy love’. Of course, zeal can be misdirected (see Romans 10:2; Galatians 4:17 & Philippians 3:6). But as Paul writes, it is right to be zealous provided that the purpose is good (Galatians 4:18). Elsewhere he says, ‘Never be lacking in zeal’ (Romans 12:11).
What are you passionate about? Where should you direct this crazy love?
Psalm 69:1-12
‘Crazy love’ for God’s house
David writes, ‘Zeal for your house consumes me’ (v.9a). The reason he was so passionate about God’s house was because that was the symbolic place of God’s presence with his people. The Message explains the zeal he expresses in this verse, ‘Because I’m madly in love with you’ (v.9a, MSG).
These words are applied by the disciples to Jesus when he cleanses the temple (John 2:17). Out of zeal for God’s house, Jesus drove off those who were trying to profit from a place of worship and who were taking advantage of those who wanted to draw near to God.
After Psalm 22, this is the most frequently quoted psalm in the New Testament. The second half of the verse – ‘the insults of those who insult you fall upon me’ (Psalm 69:9b) – is likewise applied by the apostle Paul to Jesus (Romans 15:3).
David is passionate about not bringing God’s name into disrepute. He does not want anyone to be disgraced because of him. ‘Don’t let those who look to you in hope be discouraged by what happens to me’ (Psalm 69:6, MSG). He knows his folly and guilt – as we know ours. ‘God, you know every sin I’ve committed; My life’s a wide-open book before you’ (v.5, MSG). He is concerned that this should not bring dishonour to God’s house.
Today, God’s house – the temple – is Christ and his body, his church (1 Peter 2:5). There is nothing wrong with being passionate about the church. We should be zealous to see God’s name honoured in his church today.
I personally have been inspired recently by the passion I see in many Pentecostal churches and in particular in Hillsong Church. There is a zeal for God’s house – a passion in worship, a ‘leaning in’ to the talks, an amazing welcome for every new person. Their passion is inspiring and infectious. We need more of it in the church today.
Lord, consume me with zeal for your name and your church. May I never do anything that would bring disgrace or shame to your name."
1. Zeal. Yes, Lord, I need to be zealous about Your love. And forgive me when I bring disgrace to Your name. Thank You for Your crazy love. Amen.
2. Thank You for the church. Thank You for godly friends. Thank You for Korean food.
3. Thank You for the invention of great ambiance. It is amazing how it can transform one's mood.
