07/09/2026
In Numbers 25, Israel’s spiritual adultery and betrayal is met with God’s righteous anger. But God also provides grace amidst judgment, so that justice is meted out and His anger can be turned away.
In brazen and unrepentant sin, Zimri, an Israelite man brought Cozbi, a Midianite woman to his family. Phinehas, a priest, jealous with God’s jealousy, acted against the couple and turned God’s anger away from Israel.
Being completely committed to Israel, God commanded Moses to strike down the Midianites, plotters who were threatening the marriage between God and his people.
Don’t desire evil as they did! (1 Corinthians 10:6-8). Brazen, unrepentant hearts lead to judgment - God's righteous anger will be revealed fully at final judgment.
Will we also recognise our need for a jealous priest who makes atonement for us? Hebrews 7 tells us this is fulfilled in Jesus, who came to turn away God's righteous anger. At the cross, God's anger was poured out on Him, so that mercy might be shown to God's unfaithful people, making peace between God and us.
How then should we respond to our own repeated failures? Not with resignation nor determination. Instead, recognise our great need for Jesus, who atones for us, and whose work alone secures our covenant relationship with God.
