Day 64, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Numbers 16–18
Rebellion—How do we Handle It?
Most people are followers and are content to be so. Some people serve as leaders and faithfully serve with the responsibilities assigned to them. They may be the leaders of their business, home, ministry, or other organization. There are usually a few people under their authority, however, which turn into rebels. Sometimes they rouse hatred against their leaders. They may rebel because they don’t like the direction taken. Other times, they rebel because they want attention or position. Perhaps they have leadership responsibilities, but they want more power and status. How can people be discouraged from rebelling against their leadership?
The situation: mutiny
In today’s Bible reading, Moses and Aaron are blamed for not bringing the Israelites into the Promise Land, even though it’s not their fault. Ten of the congregational leaders returned from spying out the land and discouraged the Israelites from attacking the Canaanites. For their lack of faith and rebelling against God, they forfeited the opportunity! The Israelites aren’t happy to almost have possession of their land and then be denied. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12a, NIV). Moses and Aaron led the nation to its inheritance, and now they are leading them away from it!
Dissension arises from Korah, who is from the Kohathite family of Levites. They are in charge of carrying the articles of the tabernacle. Also involved in the rebellion are Dathan and Abiram of the tribe of Reuben and 250 notable community leaders. This is a political and religious uprising. The sons of Korah want the priesthood, so they criticize Moses and Aaron. This is mutiny (Numbers 16:8-10).Let God be your defense | discipline
Moses and Aaron do not draw swords and fight—they let God be their defense. They let the LORD show the rebels whom he approves as his leaders. Through Moses, God instructs Aaron, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and 250 other rebels to appear before the LORD and the Israelites. They are to bring incense fires in firepans (snuff boxes or censers) to present before God.
When they and their followers show up to oppose Moses, God causes an earthquake to swallow them and their families. He also causes fire to destroy the other 250 who support the rebellion (Numbers 16:16-40). The rest of the congregation sees the catastrophe and fear being swallowed up themselves.
Destroying those who opposed Moses and Aaron does not stop the grumbling, however, and so God kills almost 15,000 more Israelites. Here are two lessons for us:
- The LORD defends his chosen leaders; therefore, those in Christian service should appeal to him for defense.
- It is dangerous for us to publicly oppose God’s appointed leaders or lead others in a rebellion against them.
- We are not God, but if we are in a position to do so, we may need to exercise discipline to stop the rebellion.
Be clear about responsibilities
Following on the heels of God’s approval of Aaron are specific instructions. The LORD does not want the Israelites to suffer more judgment for their insolence against him and his appointed leaders. Therefore, he declares that only Aaron and his sons may work in the tabernacle and offer sacrifices, but other Levites may otherwise assist them. Only direct descendants of Aaron may be priests. The penalty for violating this is death (Numbers 18:1-7, NIV)Emphasize service over positions
Leadership positions are not just for status but for service. The Levites and Aaron’s sons were chosen to be servants to Israel. And as his servants and representatives, they are to lead the people in holiness, for God is holy and must be treated with the utmost reverence. Do we do this in our lives, service, and worship? (1Peter 1:14-16)
In the people’s eyes, they must recognize that their leaders are not elitists, or they may rebel. Leaders must serve the best interests of the people. Their service must be more than words; they must be demonstrated daily by their deeds.
The greater the leadership responsibilities are, the more service that is required to fulfill them. Jesus said, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26,28, NIV).
Moses represents the people before the LORD. He seems to be always in communication with God. Because the LORD is pleased with Moses, he is merciful and gracious to forgive the Israelites when his servant intercedes for them.
Teach them to give their best
The priests are given the responsibility to offer the worshippers’ sacrifices in prescribed manners. They are no better than the other Israelites — the priests have to offer sacrifices for their sins before doing it for others. When the Israelites come to offer sacrifices for whatever purpose, the priests must give the best to the LORD, and then they can share what is left.
The rest of the Levites are assistants to the priests. They are given the tithes brought to the tabernacle for its upkeep. From them, they are to offer ten percent of their tithes to the LORD through the priests.
What about our leadership? We may be the head of an organization, church, or home. How do we view ourselves? As leaders, we are given some honor, but has it gone to our heads? Do we serve people, or are we self-serving? Do we provide the best or keep it for ourselves? Are we devoted to helping people as their representatives, or are we determined to obtain status and privilege? We will be like Jesus, and we will be the most loved if we live sacrificially for the people we serve. God honors those who honor him (1Samuel 2:30) and rewards faithful servants (Luke 12:42-44).Discussion
Endnote: 1. The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p.234).
2. Apparently the family members were sympathetic with their cause.
Focus verses
Matthew 20:26,28 (NIV) “Jesus said,
whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant... just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Through Jesus we have forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life (more...).
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Looking Ahead: The Rebellion is over, but there will still be challenges. Join us for our Next Lesson called, Waters of Cleansing, Testing, and Victory.
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