Bible Pathway - Feb. 20, 2012
Read Numbers 16:1
Highlights:
Today's reading is far more than incidental Hebrew history. It brings to light how envy, jealousy, and discontent destroy the usefulness of "good" people. You should recognize the subtle treachery of Satan using "good" leaders with "good intents" to destroy their usefulness for God. Always remember, God will confirm His will to anyone who desires to follow it.
Two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown . . . gathered themselves together against Moses (Num. 16:2-3). It appears that Korah was jealous over Moses' leadership; therefore, he became spokesman for the people and attempted to overthrow Moses so he could assume the leadership position for the nation. Two hundred and fifty spiritual leaders in Israel joined him in opposing Moses. But God viewed their opposition as a rebellion against Him and caused the earth to open and bury all of the 250 leaders (16:33).
Korah and his followers may have been sincere and considered the nation's leadership a problem to be decided by the majority, but they failed to recognize that it was the authority of God who appointed Moses as the nation's leader.
It was not possible for Korah to have a right attitude toward God while maintaining a wrong attitude toward His anointed leader. To the observer, it may have seemed like a mere personality conflict, but how different sin is from what it often appears to be!
Many ministers who are doing the will of God today face criticism and opposition from those who do not recognize that God and His delegated leadership are inseparable (16:5).
In the Book of Jude, we read: Woe unto them! for they have . . . perished in the gainsaying of Core (Jude 1:11). This is a warning to us against the kind of influential politicking Korah did in his attempt to gain Moses' position.
The spiritual pathway is above and beyond human reasoning. Human eyes see only men and their weakness, but those whom God can use recognize the seriousness of rebelling against the God-ordained leadership. Although the rebellious ones often have exceptional abilities, they are traveling in the way of death. When anyone resists authority, he is resisting God.
The Bible warns us that opposition against the Word of God and His authority is to be expected. Mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:17-18).
Thought for Today:
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the Word and doctrine (I Tim. 5:17).
Christ Portrayed:
By Aaron and his sons who were responsible for making proper atonement for all of the sins of Israel (Num. 18:1). Jesus gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness) (Titus 2:14).
Word Studies:
16:6 censers, incense burners; 16:7 holy, set apart, dedicated to God; 16:29 visited, natural deaths; 16:31 clave asunder, split apart; 16:46 plague, fatal sickness; 16:48 stayed, stopped; 17:10 Testimony, Ark of the Covenant; take away, put an end to; 18:1 bear the iniquity of, answerable for the sins against; 18:3 thy charge, your responsibilities; 18:5 wrath, further judgment; 18:9 oblation, offering; 18:11 statute, perpetual allowance; clean, cleansed from sin; 18:15 Every thing that openeth the matrix, Every firstborn; matrix, womb; 18:17 firstling, firstborn; 18:19 covenant of salt, permanent contract; 18:21 an inheritance, their share; 18:27 corn, grain; 18:30 heaved, lifted up; 18:31 reward, wages.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts: Sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mantych • Staff: Rick Hash • Government Official: Sen. Mitch McConnell, Jr. (KY) • Country: Somalia (7 million) on the Horn of Africa • Major languages: Somali and Arabic • Islam is officially favored and all other religions are opposed • 99.8% Muslim; .1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray that the Lord will enable you to comfort and encourage others (II Cor. 1:3-4).
Optional Reading: Luke 7:1
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:19
