Beware the allurement of sin. It typically manifest itself during extreme highs or lows. For some, the temptation occurs in times of major disappointment when people desire immediate physical relief from what they are experiencing emotionally rather than seeking the Lord. For others as in this case with Israel, the temptation occurred right after receiving a blessing from God. Sadly what should have ended in celebration and worship, their blessing was followed with reveling and fulfillment of the flesh. The following passage reveals a list of mistakes made by the Israelites:
1. The excitement of Shittim drew God’s people away from their camp.
Num. 25:1-5 “And Israel abode in Shittim,”
2. The lust of the men drew them away from their tents.
“and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.”
3. The bondage of sin drew them away from God.
“And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.”
4. The sin of a few led to the corruption of an entire nation.
“And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor:”
The Result - “and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.”
LESSON - Let faith arise when the flesh desires satisfaction. Never forget that what feels/looks good today will have consequences GREATER than the satisfaction you experience. Were it not for the heroic actions of Phinehas dealing with sin parading into their camp, God would have judged the entire nation. V10 -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”
Your victory over temptation today could set your family AND your nation free from the consequences of sin tomorrow.
~Mike