Numbers 25:4 –
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.”
When we take the Lord casual and turn from Him what kind of wrath do we cause? We get taught that God is always the same, but His punishment seems inconsistent. Why does He not punish us with death for drifting anymore? It’s hard to say God has not changed when you see him dealing with the Israelites. It seems as though He is more like a father to Israel and they are going through the same issues as most children. As fathers “mature” their anger becomes less and more controlled. That is what seems to be happening through the scriptures.
In this instance 24,000 people died for worshiping Baal and being promiscuous with their people. How does this differ from today? Many times through my life I have drifted away from God. I have worshiped the “gods” of Porsche, Yamaha and cash, while at the same time ignoring Gods desires for sexual relationships. Honestly, if God were consistent, I should have been killed more than once. After being a father for 20 years I see God like that then the consistent throughout time.
As Christians I feel we are almost like God’s grandchildren. We get treated with more compassion since He already did the growing pain thing once with Israel. I know a Bible scholar could dive in and show me where God is consistent based on this promise in this verse, but I am not there yet, so I ask questions. This is also where the Trinity breaks down for me, since Jesus intercedes for us in times where compassion is needed. If God and Jesus are the same, how can Jesus intercede? Does Jesus represent the compassionate side of God, which developed with the nation of Israel? Sorry for more questions than answers, the key is not to be afraid to ask, because the quest for answers brings us closer to God!