(John 2 : 17)
It used to be the name of a disease.
Victims were noted for the way it “consumed” their bodies.
Recovery, prior to antibiotics, was not at all guaranteed.
There was always an outer sign of an inner working.
And, it was infectious.
Seeing Jesus clear the temple for the first time, the disciples remembered what was written
In the psalms
From the pen of another who was also after God’s own heart.
“ Zeal for Your house has eaten me up” (69:9 NKJV)
Eaten me up.
Jesus had consumption, and it showed.
The church in the 21st Century doesn’t always look that “sick”.
Perhaps significantly, Jesus produces the new wine before setting things right in the house.
(The disciples must have heard about the new wine in Cana).
One thing is for sure.
I do not need the vaccination of half heartedness.
I need to get the disease.
And in an advanced state, it will show.