Names of God - El Qana - Reflection
Names of God Series
El Qana: Zealous God
Welcome back to our Names of God series. In this series, we are working our way through the names or characteristics of God found in scripture. It is important to remember that each of these names simply give us a partial glimpse into the innumerable characteristics of the Self-Existing I AM. They are not meant to be final; instead they give us insight into how humans have experienced and responded to The Eternal One over time.
We began last week with a brief word study of Qana. This week, we continue with a reflection on El Qana, or Zealous God.
As I’ve been reflecting on this characteristic of God, I’ve had to really pull back the layers of teaching about The Eternal being characterized as “jealous.” To me, this feels too small for an ever expansive God and reduces The Eternal to human-like emotions. The Eternal is the ultimate Source, the Infinite Breath, the Creator of all things and need not feel jealous of anything.
Instead I am sensing something more profound.
El Qana is single-minded, protective, and focused on what already belongs to the Infinite Breath. The Eternal is not reaching for something that belongs to someone else, but consistently pursuing the care and keeping of the shared life breath.
This is where meditating on El Qana has turned inward for me. I’ve been noticing how often I let other things define me and pull me into their orbit. It isn't always obvious; instead it shows up subtly and is easy to miss. First, I shift my standards from The Eternal’s. Then I hold myself to expectations that don’t quite fit with my expansive view of God. Finally, I find myself listening to voices that sound logical and convincing in the moment. Before I know it, I begin living according to people’s standards, rather than the Creator of all things.
But this Name brings me back.
It is a gentle reminder. The Eternal is not competing for my attention; The Eternal is protecting what already belongs to the Infinite Breath. El Qana, Zealous God, is not about possessiveness or jealousy. Rather, this Name calls me back into alignment, and helps me stay tethered to my innate nature of wholeness.
I am beginning to sense that this is the way of Wholeness; it does not sit passively in the background waiting for me to finally understand. Wholeness is relentlessly and zealously pursuing me, calling me to remember eternal truth. The Eternal is zealous for me to remember and abide in my true nature, where there is no separation.
I’m still sitting with what it means to trust that kind of care and pursuit; to believe that The Eternal is completely committed to my remembrance. I’m learning to believe that I am not at the mercy of the ever-changing opinions around me because there is only One standard that truly matters.
Our invitation this week is simple, and we don’t need to figure everything out. We can just notice how El Qana is persistently showing up for us, calling us back to remembrance. Over the next few days, let’s take note of all the ways The Eternal is helping us remember wholeness.
Then we can ask ourselves gently: Am I willing to become more zealous for The Eternal’s Presence, as The Eternal is zealous for me?
Whatever our answer, a new chance awaits in every breath.
Key Takeaway: El Qana is not jealousy. El Qana is wholeness zealously calling us back to our original design.