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We finished up our “amplify” series with the subject of passion. I shared from the story of Phinehas in Numbers 25:1-13.

Phinehas wasn’t content to sit by with the rest of Israel and weep. His passion for God and his understanding of the situation drove him to action.

It strikes me that Phinehas got up from the assembly in front of the Tabernacle. Here he is, in presence of God and in fellowship with other God-fearers. It’s a good place to be. It’s probably relatively safe, all things considered. But he realizes the need (he’s compelled?) to get up and do something. He’s not content to sit on the sidelines.

Followers of Jesus are called to be like Phinehas.

In fact, Jesus set the example for us. Like Phinehas, he got up and left the presence of the Father. He didn’t pierce someone with a spear, but he allowed himself to be pierced and broken in order to stop the plague of sin and death that threatened mankind. His passion/love/zeal for the Father and for each of us drove him to action. When things were critical, when we needed it most, he responded.

The challenge for us is to experience the kind of passion that leads to action. Not an emotional excercise that we keep to ourselves, but something that drives us to bring life and restoration to broken people around us.
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