As for me, I will always have hope…. (devo reflection)

Numbers 25:3 So Israel yoked themselves to Baal of Peor. And the LORD’s anger burned against them.
In light of the last couple of chapters where God keeps Balaam from cursing the Israelites, I find this chapter fascinating because the Israelites, God’s chosen people, curse themselves by their behavior. God loves the Israelites. He chose them. But He doesn’t protect them from themselves, and He makes them face the consequences of their actions. He doesn’t shield them from that. 
Numbers 25:4 The LORD said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of these people, kill them, and expose them in broad daylight before the LORD, so that the LORD’s fierce anger may turn away from Israel.”
Not only does He allow the Israelites to suffer because of their actions, he also rewards the Israelites because of the faith of one man, Phinehas, because of his zealousness for God’s honor and his actions in light of that zealousness.
Numbers 25:11 “Phinehas…has turned my anger away from the Israelites. Since he was as zealous for my honor among them as I am, I did not put an end to them in my zeal.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the reminder that our actions are important. In this unprecedented time, help us to strive first and foremost to honor You in our words and our actions. Help us to live faithfully Psalm 71:14: “As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.” Draw us closer. Amen.
Numbers 25:12 “Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him.”
Have a blessed day.