A Tale of Two...

This is a tale of two Phinehases two Phinehi two guys, each by the name of Phineas. Not a name common to American culture, for sure, but it wouldn't take much to find two very different Michaels or polar opposite Pams. And these two Phine-- guys are dissimilar without doubt. 

Phineas Number One was a grandson of Aaron, Moses' brother. Aaron was, of course, a priest as was his son, Phineas' father. In Numbers 25, we find the people of Israel rebelling against God and committing all manner of sin with the people of Moab, a heathen country. As Moses is rendering judgment on the people for their wicked acts, Zimri, a man clearly unable to read the room or, perhaps, possessing a death wish, arrives to show off his new wife, the pagan daughter of a pagan Midianite chief. Phineas runs them both through with a spear.

Psalm 106:30, 31 celebrate Phineas' zeal for God:

Then Phinehas stood up and intervened,
And the plague was stopped.
And that was accounted to him for righteousness
To all generations forevermore.

Phineas Number Two was the son of Eli, a priest of Israel. Phineas and his brother also served as priests under their father's authority. The record of their misdeeds and consequences is found in 1 Samuel. And, yes, I did say "misdeeds." This Phineas was of less godly stock than his predecessor, the grandnephew of Moses. This Phineas and his brother used their position to exploit the people, gain whatever they desired for themselves, and dishonor the name of the Lord God. Sadly, their father didn't remove them from office or expose them publicly, but merely gave them warnings, warnings that didn't bear any weight to those so defiant and self-centered. Needless to say, their father, Eli, was held accountable by God, as were they. All three men dies on the same day, ending the priestly line of Eli.

They shared a name. They shared an obligation and an office. But they couldn't be more different. So, what can we learn?

First of all, throughout Scripture the deeds and misdeeds of mankind are recorded to serve not only as a warning or model, but to understand who our God is, longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity, but by no means clearing the guilty (Numbers 14:18). He is sovereign and holy, merciful and just; He will not be mocked. But He loves His children and desires that none should be lost; warning and working, urging all who will to turn to Him. 

Additionally, Eli's son, Phineas, was given a father, a spiritual guide, and the Torah. He had every opportunity and was without excuse in his disobedience. Phineas, the grandson of Aaron, had the same background; he chose rightly in his reverence for God and the holiness of His people. When it comes right down to it, our own choices are those for which we will be held accountable. The decision is ours, whatever situation we are in, whatever our upbringing.

Third, in obedience, there is blessing. In disobedience, there is cursing. Let me be clear, relationship with God is not some quid pro quo arrangement. But those who follow after Him, who serve Him and honor his name will know the blessing of an eternal life --eternal in quality: new, resurrectionary, sure, hope-full! Those who are self-seeking, who mock God and His precepts, who reject the truth will suffer --if not on this earth, throughout eternity.

The outcome of Phineas #1's obedience was very different from the outcome of Phineas #2's disobedience. Despite the similarities, their choices are what made the distinction. What will the choices you are making yield? Will the path you choose set you apart from others? Are you comfortable with the thought of being held accountable? Have you surrendered your will to Another, the One named Jesus, who will stand in your stead when your life here has ended? Are you choosing each day to be zealous for Him?