Theme: WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE?
Text: “And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company; And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.” – Numbers 16:5-7.
Comment: While the israelites were in the wilderness, three of their leaders along with 250 others described as “famous in the congregation, men of renown” challenged the leadership of Moses. The ringleaders were Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Incidentally, Korah was a Levite, a cousin of Moses, for their fathers, Izhar and Amram were brothers. (Exodus 6:21) Moses told them that God Almighty would Himself settle the issue, as to whether he was being directed by God or merely doing his own will. (Numbers 16:28, 29) He instructed the people: “…Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins”. (Numbers 16:26) He declared that if the people were not swallowed up by the earth, then the Lord had not sent him. As soon as he had finished speaking, the earth opened and swallowed them and their families. This was followed by fire which consumed the 250 other rebels. The danger of lack of understanding, pride, self-will, blind followership and presumptuousness in God’s organisation are highlighted by this event. The people of God should not allow themselves to be misled by individuals, no matter how highly placed they are. They should only follow what is right in the light of the Scriptures. – Psalm 119:105; Galatians 1:8, 9; Matthew 15:14; Isaiah 9:16.