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Even though Zimri knew
requirements God placed upon his chosen ones, it appears as if he momentarily lost sight of who he was and what was expected of him. Nothing seemed to be more enticing to him than thoughts of being with Cozbi. His relationship with Lord, his family, and his position in community all seemed to have lost their importance. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. He appears to have had no concern about what effect his actions would have on community of Israel. He gave no thought to lives that would be destroyed on his account. It seems as if Zimri's eyes were temporarily blinded and, in heat of lustful passion, he could see no further ahead than moment at hand--a moment that demanded satisfaction of his lusts.
Phinehas used a sword to kill Zimri and Cozbi. Through out scripture sword is often symbolic of either wrath of God, written Word of God, or spoken Word. The sin, in Zimri's life, was exposed by sword of a righteous man. Those, who find themselves entangled in grips of sexual immorality, should take heed. For, sin will eventually be exposed. It might be through wrath of a righteous God. For, sin cannot dwell in His presence. It might be through His Word that exposes thoughts and intents of heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). Or, it might be through words of a righteous man ( 2 Samuel 12).
Our God has a standard of holiness and he expects those in positions of leadership to measure up to it. They, sometimes though, fall short of mark and yield to temptation with their eyes wide open, fully aware of what they're doing and consequences involved; yet, yielding still. Just like Zimri, they end up taking values and moral standards they've embraced, for years, and willingly abandon them--all for a moment of pleasure; a pleasure that is short lived, however. For, our God is righteous and holy, and he demands that those who walk before him, as his representatives, walk uprightly and blamelessly.
Those who choose to disgrace and defile office of leadership that has been bestowed upon them, as Zimri did, will eventually reap their due reward. They will not go unpunished forever. This is, perhaps, most sobering truth contained in sin of Peor.
© by Dot McGinnis
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations-originalwritings/
Dot is a poet and a published author from Pennsylvania who has served as assistant editor for the Christian newspaper Majesty. She is retired yet continues serving the Lord via the Heavenly Inspirations Ministries.
