Numbers 16 is a good chapter to learn about divine order and leadership. This is a long chapter so we will look at it part by part, to explore the lessons we can draw from each portion. One common hazard a leader often faces is the complaints, murmuring, and even the revolt of the people that he is leading. This is a symptom of the propensity of fallen men. No matter how many times people have seen or experienced the gracious dealing of God there would always be some who had not learned the lesson. These people would then stir up dissension against the authority, especially in difficult situations and where advancement seems slow.
In these three verses before us, we see a group of people rebelling against the
leadership of Moses and Aaron. This group comprised of Korah and the Levites under
him as well as people from the tribe of Reuben led by Dathan, Abiram and On. It
was not coincidental that these Israelites would rebel together. It was
because their camps were located on the same side, the south side of the
Tabernacle. Being near to each other, their attitude naturally rubbed on to each
other. Herein is a principle. It is wise not to stay too close to people who
are negative so that their propensity will not rub onto us. It is undeniable
that birds of the same feather usually flocked together. The American has a
saying that goes like this - if we run into a skunk, we will smell like a
skunk. We must be careful who we are running with. However, in situations where
we must be with such people, we need to be discerning and stay on guard so that
we will not fall victim to their negative vibes.
This group of rebels brought charges against Moses and Aaron. The
Korah group was against the leadership of Aaron who was assigned to take care
of the religious matter of Israel. The Reubenite group was more against Moses’ overall
leadership of the whole nation. So verse 3 describes their charge. They said to
Moses, “You have gone far enough! For all the congregation are holy, every one
of them, and the Lord is
in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” Here’s the problem, they had falsely concluded that just
because God had called them His people, there should be equality in status and
position. We need to learn from here that while we are all equal before God, yet
He does set people whom He has gifted and called to assume higher office. Bear
in mind that not everyone is called to lead. While all of us are called equally
to share in God’s goodness, there must be gifted leaders and administrators to
ensure orderliness. We must accept the fact that God has placed us where He
knows we can function best. To rebel against the structure is to rebel against
the Lord.
We need to know who we are in God and be contented with whatever
we are assigned. While we must have an ambition to progress, we must accept that God
has a timing for us all, in the different stages of life. Be careful and discerning
with people who can negatively influence us. Let us not fall prey and become victims
to their negative vibes. Be vitally connected with God and leave no room for any
rebellious spirit to emerge and manipulate us to act wrongly. Rebellion is a grievous
sin!
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