R³ Devotional - Day 61

Numbers 16 is a dramatic chapter in the Bible that describes a significant rebellion against Moses and Aaron, led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

Korah’s Rebellion Vs 1-3: Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other well-known community leaders, oppose Moses and Aaron, claiming that all the congregation is holy and questioning why Moses and Aaron exalt themselves above the assembly of the Lord.

Moses’ Response Vs 4-7: Moses falls on his face in prayer and then tells Korah and his followers to prepare censers and present incense before the Lord, as God will show who is holy. “ You Levites have gone too far!!” 

Dathan and Abiram’s Defiance  Vs8-14: Korah wasn’t content to take care of the tabernacle as a Levite. He wanted to usurp the role of a priest, even though God had given that ministry to Aaron and his family alone among the descendants of Levi. God had brought [Korah] near by sanctifying him for ministry, but that wasn’t good enough for him. Thus, Korah and his friends decided to conspire against the Lord. Moses calls for Dathan and Abiram, but they refuse to come “We will not come!”, accusing Moses of leading them out of Egypt to kill them in the wilderness.

Divine Judgment Vs 15-35: Moses became very angry with them. Everything Dathan and Abiram said was a lie; the opposite, in fact, was true: Moses had cared for and interceded for Israel. Korah’s prominence and popularity is on display here because he was able to assemble the whole community against Moses and Aaron. This did not mean his heart was right or that he was worth following. God’s glory appears, and He instructs Moses and Aaron to separate themselves from the congregation. The earth opens up and swallows Korah, Dathan, Abiram, their families, and all their belongings. Fire from the Lord consumes the 250 men offering incense.

Aftermath Vs 36-40: Eleazar, the son of Aaron, is instructed to gather the censers and hammer them into a covering for the altar as a reminder that only descendants of Aaron can burn incense before the Lord.

Further Rebellion and Plague Vs 41-50: The next day, the congregation blames Moses and Aaron for the deaths. God’s wrath is kindled, and a plague breaks out. Aaron quickly makes atonement, and the plague is halted, but 14,700 people die.

Real life principles.

• Humility: Respect God's chosen leaders. Even if you do not agree on everything.
   
• Sovereignty: Trust God's ultimate control. Above man is God.
  
  
• Obedience: Follow God's commands faithfully. Submit to God’s order.
  
  
• Intercession: Pray for others in need. Even if they are jerks!
  
  
• Consequences: Avoid rebellion against God. Don't fall into the scheme of the rebels. There are consequences

Relevant life applications.

• Embrace Humility: Recognize, respect the leaders and roles that God has placed in your life.
  
  
• Trust in God's Plan: Have faith in God's sovereignty, especially when life seems uncertain or challenging.
  
  
• Practice Obedience: Align your actions with God's commands, even when it's tough or goes against your desires.
  
  
• Pray for Others: Be an intercessor, lifting up those who need mercy and guidance in prayer.
  
  
• Heed Warnings: Avoid actions that rebel against God's will to prevent spiritual and moral consequences.

Ready action steps.

• Pray for your leaders often. (Wednesdays, Sundays.)
  
  
• Talk to your leaders first before making scenes.
  
  
• Pray for the congregation daily. Your life group, ministries, and teams.
  
  
• Trust, submit, and obey God. know His word properly.
  
  
• Do not get caught up in gossip, with complainers, and negative people who are not for God's solutions.