Chapter 16 is an awesome story! I love how God defends those He calls. when Korah, Dathan and Abiram, and their followers, stood up to Moses, God didn't take that lightly!
I think it's interesting how in verse 4, Moses fell face down. They were attacking him and his calling and his position, but he knew it was more than that--an attack on God. He fell face down in repentance on their behalf knowing what a grave mistake they were making.
God dealt clearly with only those that opposed his servant Moses. However, with those leading the uprising, their families were killed also--they were swallowed into the earth with them. What a sight that must have been to watch the earth actually open up and swallow people up and then close over them. I bet it was terrifying to watch, but remembered with awe. Who says the Bible's boring??
That fishing story is amazing. Can you imagine the cycle of emotions of those on the boat: they are frustrated because they haven't been able to catch anything, they are cynical because Jesus tells them to cast their nets again even though they know nothing is out there to be had, they are stunned because of the large catch, they are fearful because their boat is sinking, and, in verse 9, it says they were ultimately astonished at what Christ had done. After such a show of power, they decide to give up fishing and follow this Christ.
I love this passage of scripture. For me personally, this past year has been riddled with people around me who seem to be prospering even though they are evil. They would put me down because of my beliefs and actions, yet they seemed to still succeed. But this portion of scripture tells us not to worry about them, because they will waste away. Jon Courson says to even pity them because this is the best they're going to have it, while this is the worst we're going to have it, as we have heaven to look forward to.
Anyway, when I read this scripture, I was thinking of someone in particular that had really hurt me, and when I look at their life now, this scripture has come to pass. That isn't to puff me up, it had nothing to do with me. It's just our job to focus on our relationship and growth with Christ, and let Him take care of the rest. Verse 7 says specifically to "be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." We need to (v.4) delight in God and in His ways, (v.5) commit your ways to Him, (v.7) be still. before Him, and (v.9) put our hope in Him.
3 comments:
Numbers 16:33 "They went down alive into the grave, with everything they owned; the earth closed over them, and they perished and were gone from the community."
In these two chapters we see so much of what keeps us in "community" with God and his people. They are told to regularly present their offerings to "please the Lord"... and as something for the entire community to do together. Why?
I think our Heavenly father is so blessed to see His children gather around the "table" (communion), in unity over Him as they enjoy one another.
Sometimes our dinner table has many laughs, stories and fun with with Dad, Mom, Grandma and kids. Sometimes it has arguing, bad moods and attitudes. As a Father, guess which one I like and which one I feel most proud and honored by? (Duh right!) (Not to say that so many times it's my bad ungodly attitude that sets the temp. of our time!).
Last... complaining always breaks fellowship and effects the one complaining most of all! Years ago I was stuck by this NT verse in Corinthians, looking back at the wilderness journey of Israel. A verse where Paul deeply warns us not to be like those complaining Hebrews.
1Cr 10:10 "nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer."
The destruction of a complainer mostly destroys thyself, and only cuts them off from the "community". Have you ever noticed that people who complain about other people, tend to have no friends? The person who complains about family... has no family around them? Complains about their job... ends up with no work or a job they don't like? If you want to keep the Destroyer far from your heart, home and life... have a thank-full heart and one that praises God in all things, and for all things and for everyone in your life!
Wow - that's deep JB! That's so true!!
Wow, I'm behind! It's already Thurs. evening and I'm just now getting to Monday's reading. Anyways, I'm going to start my daily logging here on the blog...
The thing that sticks out most to me, is that Moses allowed God to be his defender. Rather than Moses taking time to "fight" w/those rising up against him, he turned to God and allowed God to show whom He had chosen.
Any leader of God's church needs to have the same attitude. It's not our ministry, it is His ministry and it is for Him alone to decide what part of the body will do what ministry/task.
- Rich
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