The Danger of challenging Authority (Spiritual Authority)
Good morning brethren, I like to write on what I have titled “The danger of challenging Authority (especially spiritual Authority). My focus scripture is Numbers chapter 16, “Korah ... the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites ... became insolent and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, 'You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD's assembly?’” (Numbers 16:1-3).
Just say you know that this conspiracy and rebellion against Moses' ministry came from members of his own tribe and from a coalition of leaders from other tribes. It is not new when you hear that the trouble the Church leader (Pastor) is going through came from those supposed to be his / her relatives or close associates. They are suppose to understand his vision and journey in ministry. The dissatisfaction started with Korah and others on the issue of who could serve as priests. Korah and his clan members were Levites, but not priests. The Levites had various duties that they fulfilled regarding the tabernacle. For example, as a Kohathite, descendents of Levi's son Kohath, Korah's clan assigned work is manual labour. The sons of Kohath has the "... responsibilities for the care of the sanctuary.... for the care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary used in ministering, the curtain, and everything related to their use." (Numbers 3:28, 31). They were not allowed to touch the sacred objects, or they would die. When it comes to time for the camp to move, Korah’s clan packed and carried the most holy things. By Korah’s conspiracy he desired to have the status of the priests, to offer sacrifices as was only permitted to the priests, the sons of Aaron. We read how Moses, a God fearing leader tries to appeal to Korah “Then Moses spoke again to Korah: “ …… Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near Him so you can serve in the Lord’s Tabernacle and stand before the people to minister to them? Korah, He has already given this special ministry to you and your fellow Levites. Are you now demanding the priesthood as well?” (Numbers 16:8-10). Korah and his cohorts accused Moses and Aaron of being proud, and of setting themselves above the people (Numbers 16:3). For clarity, Korah’s explanation that God is with the whole community (Numbers 16:3) is right. Exodus 19:6a says “You will be for Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." And God’s promises was for the entire people as well (Exodus 33:14). What comes to mind is when the one conspiring says “you are ordained and I am ordained” to them we are all equal.
Unfortunately, like Korah and his cohorts they don’t understand that rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols ….. (1 Samuel 15:23A). Korah ignored the instructions that God gave through Moses regarding the distinctions between the priests and Levites (Exodus 29). Hence Korah, his cohorts and the 250 members of the council met their destruction. Please be advised that to be humble is Godly, may the Lord truly help us in Jesus name! Service is for 10.30am and workers meeting is for 10am.
God’s blessings - Mike