Psalm 106:16a

Psalm 106:16a

Questioning God's leaders

Chapter 16 of Numbers tells us exactly what happened to those who conspired against God’s chosen leaders – Moses and Aaron. Moses gathered the dissenters together and advised them that the Lord will show who belongs to Him and who is holy by “causing them to come near Him!” Korah and his followers are to prepare themselves by taking censers (incense burners) and burning coals, and the following day they will all gather together and offer incense to the Lord, and He will show whom He has chosen to lead His people. Moses also lectured the men before him, “Isn’t it enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the Israelite community and brought you near Himself to do the work of the Lord’s tabernacle and to stand before the community and minister to them?” Moses accuses these men of trying to take the priesthood away from Aaron and informs them that their rebellion is not against him but against the Lord. 

Two of the protestors, Dathan and Abiram, refused to be part of the meeting with Moses, they accused him of wanting to kill them in the wilderness and, if that were not enough, also lording it over them! They added that he had failed to bring the people to the Promised Land and had treated them like slaves! The accusations made Moses very indignant and angry, and he asked the Lord to turn down their offerings. There’s more to follow, but I think we’ve already heard enough to warn us not to take issue with those who are anointed by the Lord! We must be very careful where we point the finger, especially when leaders in Christ’s church are involved. To be continued….

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