PEACE (Part 4)
Numbers 25:12-13
Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.
Covenant of Peace!
God honors righteousness!
The book of Numbers chapter 25 talks about the nation of Israel, when a few people joined themselves to worship idols and commit sexual immorality. This in turn triggered destruction among the people who were involved. But while the people where lamenting before the tabernacle of the Lord, a man was boldly committing sexual immorality in front of the whole congregation. But Phinehas one of the priest's son took a bold step and stopped the calamity.
Our passage today numbers 25:12-13 tells us the outcome of Phinehas' action. God gave him a covenant of peace! '...Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: And he shall have it ...' God is saying that Phinehas will dwell and live in peace! He will experience peace at all times! His life and ministry will be established and be stable. His family and business will be in peace. And God said it will continue down his generation and for emphasis that 'he will have it'. It is established as a covenant and nothing nor anyone can stop it. God the enforcer of the covenant will make it happen by Himself.
But why did Phinehas get this everlasting covenant. Numbers chapter 25 verse 13 tells us exactly why. It was because of his zeal for God, his zeal for the things of God. It was because of his zeal for righteousness. Phinehas could not stand iniquity. He could not stand and watch God and righteousness trampled upon. He did something about it. And because of his zeal, he entered an everlasting covenant with God.
The same was the case of Joseph in Genesis chapter 39, when he was tempted to commit immorality but he stood his ground for righteousness. Genesis 39 verse 9: There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? Joseph eventually became and reigned as a prime minister in a foreign land for 80 years, during which time he enjoyed peace, rest, glory and honor.
God honors righteousness! Hebrews 1 verse 9 says 'Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.' Righteousness can lift a man. Proverbs 14 verse 34 tells us exactly that - 'Righteousness exalts a nation'. You see, God has called us as priests and kings unto him (Revelation 1 verse 6) and in righteousness we can experience peace. For his eyes are over us! 2 Chronicles 16 verse 9 tells us 'For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him'.
We too can stand for righteousness in these days where unrighteousness seems to persist. Living as Christians translates to living and standing for righteousness, and as the scripture has said, God will watch over us and keep us in peace.
Have a wonderful week and enjoy Gods covenant of peace.
God bless you.
