PASTOR ORR’S BLOG
Rebellion!
Numbers 16 – 17
READ – “They incited a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 other leaders of the community, all prominent members of the assembly.” — Numbers 16:2 NLT
EXAMINE – Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan, Abiram, and On, from the tribe of Reuben, conspired against Moses and Aaron and incited a rebellion against them (Numbers 16:1-3). They convinced 250 prominent leaders from other tribes to join them in this insurrection. Even though Moses confronted them, the men refused to submit to leadership, and they even stirred up the entire community against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:19). God’s judgment fell upon Korah, Dathan, and Abiram when the earth opened and swallowed up them, their families and all who were standing with them (Numbers 16:31-33). Fire from the LORD burned up the other 250 leaders who had rebelled (Numbers 16:35). Instead of learning from the mistakes of others, the very next morning, the whole community of Israel began muttering again against Moses (Numbers 16:41) and the LORD sent another plague that killed over 14,000 people (Numbers 16:48). The LORD finally used the budding of Aaron’s staff to prove to the community that Moses and Aaron were truly the LORD’s chosen ones to lead the community spiritually and politically (Numbers 17).
APPLY – Unfortunately, our nation knows all too well the horrors of rebellion and insurrection. Whether it’s the home, the church, the workplace, or the government, there must be leaders with authority and others who submit to their authority. Otherwise, rebellion and chaos lead to violence, which leads to destruction. “Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft and stubbornness as bad as worshipping idols” (I Samuel 15:23a). Do you have an issue with leadership or what’s happening in your organization? Always use the legal, proper, and respectful way to resolve disagreements.
PRAY – Father God, please rebuke the spirit of rebellion in children and adults so that we may enjoy harmony and peace in our homes, churches, and communities. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!