Korah's Rebellion

Ok, just so you know, I'm studying the book of Numbers. As I've said in an earlier blog, in the book of Numbers we see the constant complaining of the Israelites against Moses and Aaron. Although I can't wait to finish the book of Numbers due to the constant complaining, I know that God is showing me wonderful tidbits of His Nature and zinging me on issues that I didn't realize I had - or want to admit to:-).



So, as I'm reading along in Numbers 16, I come across the story of Korah's rebellion. Good old Korah was a Levite. Numbers 1:1-3 says that, "One day Korah, son of Izhar, a descendant of Kohath son of Levi, conspired with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, from the tribe of Reuben. They incited a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 other leaders of the community, all prominant members of the assembly. They united against Moses and Aaron and said, "You have gone too far! The whole community of Israel has been set apart by the LORD and he is with all of us. What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the LORD's people?"" Since Korah was a Levite, he held an important responsibility. The Levites were called by God to serve as Aaron's assistants and the community of Israel. They had special duties and responsibilities, serving in the Tabernacle, maintaining it and all of the holy items associated with it. God told Moses, "Look, I have chosen the Levites from among the Israelites to serve as substitutes for all the firstborn sons of the people of Israelites. The Levites belong to me...They are mine; I am the LORD." (Numbers 3:12, 13b) Korah was a Levite. He was SPECIALLY CHOSEN by God to serve God. His responsibilities were highly IMPORTANT, not lightweight by any means. But this wasn't enough for Korah. He wanted more. He'd seen the political power that the priests in Egypt held. He wanted that kind of power for himself. He didn't understand that God had different plans for His priesthood than that of the Egyptians and other surrounding peoples. God wanted a priesthood that was totally obedient to Him. A priesthood whose soul purpose was to serve Him, not their own selfish motives and ambition. Korah and his followers weren't just rebelling against Moses and Aaron. They were rebelling against God. Not only that, he incited other leaders to join him in the rebellion.

Bottom line, Korah and his partners in crime had inappropriate ambition. Inappropriate ambition is simply greed in disguise. Here God had given these men awesome responsibilities and leadership in the Israelite community. They were in a great position of authority already and could use that for God's glory. However, this wasn't enough for them. Why? Because their focus shifted. They no longer sought God's Will nor concentrated on the special purpose God had called them to. They lost their perspective, exaggerated the issues, and overrated problems. They wanted the power and control to 'fix' things their own way, to satisfy their own ambition and agenda. Because they didn't trust Moses and Aaron's leadership, they showed they didn't trust God.

Like Korah, we need to be wary of inappropriate ambition in our hearts. When we completely lose our perspective, whether its from overwhelming problems, innappropriate ambition, greed, or ungodly desires, our relationship with God is hindered. As a result, we loose sight of His will in our lives. We need to ensure that our ambition is in agreement with God's purpose and will. We need to turn our difficulties and problems over to Him in TOTAL surrender. We must not allow our problems to overwhelm us to the point that we seek our own solutions, set up our own agenda, or seek inappropriate avenues for power and control over them. We must trust Him and rely on Him. Focus on finding God's purpose and concentrate on humbly fulfilling that purpose where He has placed you. Be content where God is using you and in the way He is using you. Be ready to step up when He calls you to step up. Be obedient to Him.

So, what happened to Korah and his rebellious allies? Well, God destroyed them. As soon as Moses said , "But if the Lord does something entirely new and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them and all their belongings, and they go down alive into the grave, then you will know that these men have shown contempt for the LORD." (Numbers 16:30) ,
God opened up the ground which swallowed the men, along with their households, belongings, and followers. Then He closed it back up again.

Guess what happened the next day? The Israelites started complaining again! But that's another story...

Fix your eyes upon Christ! Don't lose focus! I am praying for you.
In His Love, Cathy