Today we read about Phineas who took up a javelin and ran it through the man of Israel who took an unlawful women into his tent before all the people. Because of Phineas' actions the plague ended and God's wrath was turned away. It's easy for us to praise Phineas for what he did because he acted in faith to correct the problem of sin among the community. But we should also make sure that we are not too quick to act as Phineas did.
Jay
Sometimes we can be too quick to take up our weapons and run someone through. If we are not careful we can cause a terrible amount of undue damage. Consider what was special about Phineas' actions. First, God's anger was kindled against Israel and he poured his wrath on them in the form of a plague. Secondly, God told Moses to slay all those who were worshiping the false gods. And thirdly, there is no evidence that Phineas acted in anger. In fact, the Scriptures say he was zealous for the Lord's sake that God would not consume all of Israel in the plague.
So before you go run that person through, you know, the one who really annoys you... Ask yourself, "Why am I angry? Why am I doing this?" Is your situation really the same as Phineas'?
Sola Gratia,
Jay
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