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ZEALOUS FOR HONOR [Honor KING Jesus in 2016]
Rod Shimabukuro10The Lord said to Moses, 11“Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites. Since he was as zealous for my honor among them as I am, I did not put an end to them in my zeal. 12Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. 13He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” Numbers 25
Replacing God, going after other gods was the sin of blatant idolatry of the children of Israel. God is fierce in command to stop people from going after any other gods. His wrath is accompanied by a heavy penalty as Israel’s men were being enticed, committing sexual immorality with the Midianite women. The men were lured into idolatry, eating what was offered to and bowing down to their gods.
God’s command called Moses and the judges to execute all the leaders, involved forsaking God. It was Phinehas, who took leadership to kill the Israelite man and Midianite mistress, which caused a plague incited by God, to cease! 24,000 people had already died. Whether all by a plague or inclusive of the orders to execute the leaders, God’s enforced His honor, commands and judgment.
WHOAH!
Would I dare take honoring God that seriously?! Are there people “in the ranks of the church” defiling God, going after others gods? I bet there are - and thank God for Jesus’ new covenant love and grace, abolishing the law, that our holiness is in Him, not in our works of righteousness.
YET… a lesson of application is for me to take honoring God in my personal life, character, inner soul (motives, intentions) more seriously. And to disciple Christians, equipping them towards HONORING KING JESUS in 2016, one day, situation at a time - among people He places us with.
What is being ZEALOUS FOR HONOR mean in my life?
• The call out of idolatry is serious! So I must take this call in my life, and as a shepherd teaching others, very seriously.
• Kill idolatrous thoughts. The lust of the flesh, eyes and pride of life MUST DAILY BE EXECUTED!
• Be bold to call disciples, pastors, leaders - into account, if there’s anything contrary to God’s heart, commands and ways.
Dear Holy God!
I really want to honor You, with all my heart, soul, thoughts and way of living. Thank You for Your holy conviction to live in purity and holiness in and for You. SHHHHHH - the mercy and grace and love - I need in You…to live for You…Please continue to grace me with the gift of Your truth, love, conviction…to love You and live it. May I honor You JESUS, KING in 2016…over everything! HELP LORD!!! THANK YOU KING! I LOVE YOU!
