JOIN< ?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>Numbers 25

ÒSo Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the LORD was aroused against Israel.Ó (Numbers 25:3) Baal of Peor was the god worshiped in Moab and that made the children of Israel committed to harlotry, sacrificing other gods and bowing down to gods outside of the God that brought them out of bondage. The issue was that the children of Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor. They assigned themselves unto another God and that meant the commandment of God was no longer relevant to them; they began to go after a god that they could touch rather than to remain committed to the God that will touch them. Is there anything or anyone that you have joined yourself to? Have you entered a life that is gradually taking you outside of the way of God? It is no sin to take a conscious approach by the grace of God to identify if another way of life is unconsciously overtaking the way of God in our life. Knowing God to be a merciful God that will not overlook sin, there is always a consequence for every act of violation in His word. Numbers 25:4, ÒThen the LORD said to Moses, ÒTake all the leaders of the people and hang the offenders before the LORD, out in the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.Ó God executed judgment on all those that had joined to Baal of Peor. The consequence of joining unto to Baal of Peor did not settle well in the camp of the children of Israel. The people realized what had become of them and they began to seek God for mercy. It is written in 2 Samuel 15:22, ÒSo Samuel said: Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.Ó Every time we step outside of His word of command and return to Him for forgiveness, there is always a consequence and forgiveness. However, it is never worth it to spend time away from His word in the world. Going outside of God is jumping into pain because consequences will come regardless of forgiveness that takes a place after repentance. This is the reason why obedience in staying away, from a way that is outside of His way is the best way to live for God. Stay focused on Him; do not go outside of God. He is faithful and He will make a way not to fall outside of His way if we will remain focus on Him.