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. Others serve as leaders and faithfully carry out the responsibilities assigned to them. There are usually a few people under their authority, however, which turn into rebels. They express doubts, make false accusations, or arouse hatred against their leaders. They may rebel because they don't like the direction taken. Perhaps they want attention, position, and more power. How do we discourage people from rebelling against their leadership? In saying so, we aren't talking about tyrannical leaders; we're talking about not rebelling against leaders God has placed over us, both government and religious leaders (Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:7,17).
Mutiny
In today's Bible reading, the congregation of Israelites blames Moses and Aaron for not bringing them into the Promise Land, even though it's not their fault—ten of the spies returned and discouraged the Israelites from attacking the Canaanites. For their lack of faith and rebellion against God, they gave up the opportunity!
The Israelites aren't happy to almost have possession of their land and then lose it. “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. This family carries 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 don't draw swords and fight—they let God be their defense. The LORD will 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 runs, fearing being swallowed up themselves.
Destroying those who opposed Moses and Aaron doesn't stop the grumbling, however, and so God kills almost 15,000 more Israelites. Here are three lessons for us:
• The LORD defends his chosen leaders; therefore, those in Christian service should appeal to him for protection.
• It is dangerous for us to oppose God's appointed leaders or lead others in a rebellion against them.
• We aren't God, but it may be necessary to exercise discipline to stop the rebellion if we can do so.
Approve Leadership
Finally, to stop the grumbling over Aaron's priesthood, God shows he has chosen Aaron as the rightful priest (Numbers 17). The LORD instructs each of the twelve tribal chiefs to bring a staff. Within twenty-four hours, God makes Aaron's rod sprout, bud, blossom, and produce almonds. There's no question whom the Almighty has chosen for the priesthood. We're not God, but it is sometimes helpful to approve leaders chosen. It often genders respect.
Be Clear about Responsibilities
Following on the heels of God's approval of Aaron are specific instructions. The LORD doesn't 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 the other Levites can 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. God chose the Levites and Aaron's sons to be servants to Israel. As his servants and representatives, they're to lead the people in holiness, for God is holy. Because of this, we must treat him with the utmost reverence. Do we do this in our lives, service, and worship? (1Peter 1:14-16)
Teach Them to Give their Best
God gave the priests the responsibility to offer the sacrifices of all the Israelites in prescribed manners. They're no better than any of the rest — the priests 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 remains.
The rest of the Levites are assistants to the priests. The Israelites give a tithe for the maintenance of the tabernacle, and then the Levites 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, if we have 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 to ourselves? Are we devoted to helping people as their representatives, or are we determined to get status and privilege? We'll be like Jesus, and 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...).
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
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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