Scripture Reading: Numbers 25:11-12
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace:

Reflections: The Midianite prophet Balaam encouraged the Median women to seduce men of Israel, leading to sexual immorality and idolatry. God’s wrath was invoked, leading Moses to publicly execute Israelite leaders who sought Baal Peor, the Midianite god. During this event, one Israelite leader, Zimri, disobeyed God by leading a Midianite woman into a tent near the Tabernacle, demonstrating the pervasive nature of the ongoing moral corruption. While all looked on helplessly at the disrespectful and daring act of Zimri, Phinehas, one of the sons of the priests of Israel, rushed to the tent and killed both the Israelite man and the Midianite woman, causing an ongoing plague that God had allowed to start killing the Israelites to cease at once. The Lord acknowledged Phinehas’ actions and granted him a covenant of peace. Without the intervention of Phinehas, it is clear that while the moral corruption of Israel would have increased, many of them would have been killed by the divine plague as well. The timely action of Phinehas demonstrates the need to take action to save a situation rather than standing aloof to watch. Don’t just stand there: Learn to save the situation.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to save situations by taking decisive actions.

Confession: I take actions to save situations.