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?

Midweek: Spurgeon and the Church

Have we got any Spurgeon fans out there? Charles H. Spurgeon, known as "The Prince of Preachers", compiled a large body of work over his lifetime. His no nonsense, call to action manner of expositing the Scriptures has challenged many to greater study. This edition of Spurgeon and the Church from Thomas Nelson Bibles could be a wonderful addition to your Spurgeon collection or the start of an appreciation for his devotion to his Savior. The complimentary copy I received in exchange for this review will be going on my bookshelf right next to my copy of Spurgeon and the Gospels.

This New King James Version edition of the Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation will be released on July 7, 2026, but is available for pre-order now. It comes packaged in a printed cardboard sleeve. The book's cover is engraved and stitched brown Leathersoft™ (Black is available as well). The title on the spine is printed in goldleaf, but sadly, is not engraved. That would have been a nice touch. There is a presentation page, a blue satin bookmark, and gilt-edged pages. Wide margins provide ample space to journal one's own thoughts. I will, however, caution you that the pages are thin: gel-type pens and highlighters will likely bleed through, and excess pressure of a ball-point pen may cause indentations on the next page. The type is 9.5-point Comfort Print®, and the book comes with Thomas Nelson's lifetime guarantee. Prior to each chapter, there is an appropriate writing from Spurgeon to challenge and promote thought. Compared to the length of the Scripture in each chapter, the commentary is small; if you are using this as a daily devotional, you will spend more time reading Scripture than a man's thoughts which, as a very wise woman once said, is "how it should be." (Even if it is an anointed preacher like Spurgeon.) 

If you are looking to enhance your daily Bible reading or present someone with a gift that gives more than a few moments of satisfaction, I would encourage you to consider the NKJV of Spurgeon and the Church. Amazon is currently offering the ability to pre-order for $18.98 and christianbook.com is taking pre-orders (personalization available) for $17.39. 

Humble

In 1973, Hanna-Barbera released their big screen cartoon production of Charlotte's Web, based off of E.B. White's award-winning book. I fell in love with the movie the day I sat with dozens of children in a theater with its grand velvet curtains and dangling chandeliers, watching the film on a class trip. It was a different time. It was a time when values were basically taught from the same book. To be kind was important. To do your best was everyone's goal. And to be humble was foundational. White's book celebrates Wilbur's humility with Charlotte's crafting of this message in her web. The "miracle" of such an event lends credence to the character of this famous --yet, humble! --pig.

In 1 Samuel 9, we are introduced to Saul, son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. Now, the tribe of Benjamin was the smallest of Israel; they'd been almost completely erased by their own countrymen because of their refusal to side with the rest of Israel against murderers (Judges 19-20). Additionally, Saul's family was one of "the least" of their tribe. Saul had come from humble circumstances. In fact, when he encounters Samuel, who is out looking for the man God would have him anoint as the first king of Israel, Saul is looking for his father's donkeys which have gotten loose. A humble farmer boy, wandering the hills, searching at his father's behest. Saul even balks when Samuel treats him with honor and tells him he is to be king. Who am I? Sounds very humble, doesn't it?

Well, there's something of a difference between being humble of character and humble of circumstance. We see it often. The would-be politician who is out shaking hands and kissing babies, grinding each day on the campaign trail. The people love him (or her) and he wins the election by an overwhelming majority, only to completely "forget where he came from," as they say. Suddenly, he's collecting a big check from the taxpayers but not showing up to vote on their behalf. He's running for greater office and devoting his time to further vain promises and self-promotion; this time winning over a new body of constituents with his Aw-shucks rendition of humility. He was never humble of character, merely humble of circumstance. There is nothing new under the sun.

Saul certainly didn't invent this game, but he's a great example from waaay back. The history continues: Saul obeys, follows the instructions given by God through Samuel for a bit, until he begins to feel superior, confident. After all, he'd been made king, he was in charge, and things were going to happen as he decided. When God whittled down Saul's army that the victory might be God's alone, Saul called a stop to it (1 Samuel 13:1-14). When God gave instructions that the Amalekites and everything they'd touched were to be wiped from the face of the earth, Saul decided otherwise (1 Samuel 15) and tried to buffalo God's prophet (God's proxy) into believing he'd complied. So much for humility.

Scripture calls us to be humble. That humility is such that we may be required to live amidst humble circumstances: chronic sickness, poverty, a lesser social status or even perpetual ridicule from those around us. But it is humility of character that bears those things well; that gives glory to God and feeds a grateful heart; that prays for those who keep us down or who walk in wellness and financial gain. Humility of character is the willingness to accept whatever God gives, in His time, in His way, and counts it all joy. Humility of character is what others might say of us, what others might print in the "miracle" of a banner above our lives; but we cannot say it of ourselves, and we cannot surrender it to our circumstances. Humility of character is crafted by the Holy Spirits in our hearts as we repent and give our lives to His work moment by moment. Even in these very different and trying times.