Read Numbers 16:1-49
What a catastrophe for those rebels! We see Korah, a Levite, leading a group of rebels against their leader, Moses. We also see the rest of the people questioning both Aaron and Moses. Both revolts questioned divine authority, the LORD’s choice of leadership, and that turned out to be a very bad idea. Despite everything, both Moses and Aaron stood up for the people against the wrath of God.
It’s hard to read passages like this and see so many people destroyed. While it seems hard to fathom, as part of Scripture we need to treasure the message in a way that makes sense for us. What did the Holy Spirit reveal to you today? For me, it was not to complain about leadership ordained by God because that ultimately disrespects God, not the leaders.
Have you ever been questioned or persecuted while in a position of authority? It doesn’t feel good to be undermined and overtaken by disgruntled people. I can truly feel for Moses and Aaron. It wasn’t like they asked for this honor to serve God. God chose them for this purpose. Not only did they remain true to God despite their circumstances, but they also fought for the people they were leading.
As the stories play out, we see the power of God defending Moses and Aaron. Moses was confident God would set the record straight. I don’t think Moses anticipated that so many people would be eliminated because they had questioned God’s choice of authority.
What struck a chord with me is how easily the people found fault with Moses, blaming him for all their problems. If they had only taken time for self-reflection and let all of God’s teachings sink in. I wonder what those not caught up in these revolts were thinking. What about the people that did not die from the plague? Did they feel grateful and wonder why they had been spared?
Probably the most shocking thing for me was imagining the ground opening and devouring these rebels, their families, and their households. Just like that, the people were gone! What a mighty God we have who showed his power and displeasure that day. Shattered was any question whether Moses was the leader God had chosen for this time.
Within the last year, over sixty countries around the world have voted for and/or experienced a change in leadership. Here in Mexico, we have the first woman president. In the United States, a new president was just inaugurated. What a good time to be reminded the Bible calls us to respect our leaders.
Romans 13:1-2 says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” Certainly, our text in Numbers is a prime example of this playing out in real life.
Whether or not God positions leaders today like he did Moses and Aaron, we can acknowledge God allows them to be in place. Whether I agree with leadership or not, I still pray for them in the hopes they will honor God in their leading. When I find myself in leadership roles, I hope people are praying like that for me.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for having ultimate control of all that happens in this world. Help me trust you as my only guide and leader. I pray for the leaders of this world facing so many obstacles. Help them set their desire for power aside. Protect them and give them the tools they need to make decisions that will move us all closer to you. Help the people of the world not grumble so much but instead trust and follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
