Date: 03-07-2021

Title: A Jealous God

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 25:1-4 (NLT2) While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. 2 These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. 3 In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the LORD’s anger to blaze against his people. 4 The LORD issued the following command to Moses: “Seize all the ringleaders and execute them before the LORD in broad daylight, so his fierce anger will turn away from the people of Israel.”

(O) bservation:
    The worship of other gods would bring God’s wrath on the people. That is what happened here. Some of the Israelite men were having sex with the Moabite women and then worshipped the Moabite gods with the women. God’s anger was kindled and their sin and unfaithfulness cost these men their lives.

(A) pplication:
    The Lord is a jealous God and will not share our worship with any other. The progression of sin here is important to see. One sin leads to another and that leads to death. Sin has always led to death. I wonder how often we are lured to worship another god in seemingly innocent ways and think that God will give us a pass. I am thankful that because of Jesus’ death on the cross my sins are forgiven and that by confession I can be restored to a right relationship with the Lord. I want to be sure that I worship only God alone and walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a good reminder of how serious God takes sin.

(P) rayer:
    Father, thank you for giving us a way to have a right relationship with you through faith in your Son. Make me aware when I place anything ahead of you. My desire is to worship You and You alone. Amen