Returned Vexation

“Vex the Midianites, and smite them: For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor’s sake.” (Nu 25:17-18 AV)

The Midianites were a pagan nation that attempted to conquer Israel culturally rather than physically.  Balak, the king of Moab wanted Balaam, a Gentile seer to curse Israel.  The LORD would not allow it.  Rather, Balaam blessed Israel at the mouth of the LORD.  What Balaam did do, however, was to show Balak how he could reduce the threat that was Israel.  All he had to do was to introduce the women of the world to them.  They would marry these pagan women and the women would steal their hearts away into pagan worship.  The men of Israel would begin to worship false gods because they loved their wives.  They would follow their wives rather than their wives follow them.  In time, the Jewish culture would be so watered down, that it would pose no more threat.  At the very least, the God of Israel would destroy them for their compromise and Israel would cease to be a success.  This plan began to work.  That is until a faithful priest intervened and offered sacrifice for the failure of the people.  The Midianites vexed the righteous souls of the Jewish men and they were told to return that same vexation.  We may not be called to physically deal with those who may entice us into sin, but the principle is still the same.  If we are to walk with God in obedience and faith, we must be willing to take vengeance on that which entices us into filth and wickedness. 

This reminds me of the words of Paul in Romans chapter six.   “I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.” (Ro 6:19 KJB)  My wife and I are trying to lose some weight.  It is an ongoing battle because sweets are so alluring.  However, even our failures work to a strength.  The more we fail, the more resolve we have towards those things that are not good for us.  Yesterday, we did some grocery shopping.  I have noticed that right next to the vegetable section is the baked goods department.  I noticed this seems to be a common theme in many grocery stores.  We are faced with what is very good for us as we enter the store.  Then we are slammed with what is not so good for us.  I have also noticed a changing attitude towards those baked goods.  Before we were on a diet, they looked rather enticing.  An item or two may have ended up in our cart.  Now, our attitude has completely changed.  When we see those things, there is a feeling of animosity towards them.  No longer do we see donuts as a must-have.  We see them as an enemy.  I see the salad and vegetables as extremely satisfying.  The cookies and cakes, not so much.  Years ago, we went on a Weightwatchers diet.  We cut out all fast food.  We didn’t eat it for months.  Perhaps even a whole year.  I can still remember the place we went to when that fast was broken.  We went to a McDonald's in Waukegan, IL.  I can remember where I sat.  I can remember what I was looking at.  Why?  Because I realized just how much grease and fat was in my meal.  It tasted awful.  If it wasn’t for all the salt, I may have thrown it away.

The above Old Testament account is a good picture of the changed attitude the saint should have towards that which vexes our righteous souls.  If the TV is our problem, toss it.  If our phones are the portal that brings filth into our minds, then install a morality filter.  If going to certain places brings to mind thoughts that do not belong, then vow to never return.  The is more than just a decision not to indulge.  What Paul is trying to tell us and what the account above relays, is more than mere avoidance.  To overcome sin, there must be a change of attitude about it.  It is not enough to incorporate practical steps to live a life of righteousness.  Without an attitude change, sin returns.  There must be a return vexation.  That which vexes you must not be vexed.  That which causes you to fall must be seen as an enemy of holiness.  There is no victory unless the heart is changed.  The will can be adapted.  It can be disciplined.  But without the harmony of the heart to accompany the disciplined heart, sin lies at the door.  There has to be an ‘unwelcome’ mat placed at the door of our hearts.  We must barricade the heart against all threats to righteousness.  And when we see temptation pass by the door, there must be a change of heart that sees that temptation for what it is.  It is a threat to our walk with God in righteousness and faith.