Messianic Jewish Counseling Devotional for Couples on Parashat Pinchas
Listen to your Devotional HERE
Torah Portion: Numbers 25:10, 30:1
Messianic Theme: Zeal for Righteousness, Covenant Commitment
CBT Theme: Commitment, Responsibility, and Shared Values
Opening Blessing:
Baruch Atah Ad-nai Eloheinu Melech Ha’olam,
asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu la'asok b'divrei Torah.
Blessed are You, O Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to immerse ourselves in the words of Torah.
Devotional Thought: "Zeal, Covenant, and the Heart of Marriage"
In Parashat Pinchas, we read of Pinchas, who acted with zeal to stop the spiritual and moral decay in Israel. G-d rewards his boldness with a "brit shalom", a covenant of peace (Numbers 25:12). This peace isn’t mere absence of conflict, but shalom: wholeness, harmony, and covenantal security.
Just like Pinchas was willing to act boldly to restore holiness and peace among the people, couples are called to fight for their relationship, with zeal, intentionality, and love rooted in covenant.
In marriage, covenant love mirrors G-d’s love: it’s not based on feelings alone, but on faithfulness, action, and shared values. This is where CBT aligns: we recognize that our thoughts shape our emotions and actions. When we remind ourselves of our commitment, we’re empowered to act in ways that support it, even when emotions fluctuate.
Couple's Reflection Prompt:
“What is one area in our marriage where we can pursue greater 'shalom' through intentional, loving action, even if it feels uncomfortable at first?”
Think of a recurring point of tension, big or small. Then, together, brainstorm how to bring healing or structure through one concrete action this week.
CBT-Inspired Exercise: "Rewriting the Script"
Many couples fall into unhelpful thought patterns:
- “They’ll never change.”
- “I always have to do everything.”
- “We’re just too different.”
Pick one such automatic thought and replace it with a truth-based, faith-centered thought, e.g.:
"We’re learning how to grow together with G-d’s help."
"Change is possible when we commit to small, loving steps."
Write these down and say them to each other daily this week.
Messianic Jewish Insight:
Yeshua, our Kohen Gadol (High Priest), models the kind of sacrificial, covenantal love we are called to reflect in marriage. He is the ultimate "zealous one", giving Himself completely for His beloved, the Bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). When we act with faithfulness and humility, we walk in His footsteps.
Prayer for the Couple:
Ad-nai, may our home be filled with Your shalom. Please give us the boldness of Pinchas, not to wound, but to protect what is holy. Help us walk in covenant love, not just in word but in action. Shape our thoughts to reflect Your truth, and guide us with the love of Yeshua, our Messiah. Amen.
Weekly Intention:
This week, we will commit to:
- Speaking life-giving truths to each other.
- Taking one new action to restore peace or structure.
- Praying together at least once, inviting G-d's shalom into our relationship.
Please request your Devotional directly into your email inbox at contact@machasehsheltikvah.org
