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{{DOD-February}}
Chapters 16 and 17 record the rebellion of Korah. Korah was a Levite who was not content to minister in the Tabernacle; he wanted to serve as a Priest as well (verse 10). Of course, this attitude was direct rebellion against the [[Word]] of [[God]] as given by [[Moses]], since it was [[God]] who made the Tabernacle appointments. Korah was not content to rebel alone; he gathered 250 princes of [[Israel]], as well as three men from the tribe of Reuben, [[Jacob]]'s firstborn son. In name, number, unity, and attitude, these rebels seemed to have a strong case against Aaron and [[Moses]]. It appears that Korah and his followers defied Aaron, while Dathan, Abiram, and On questioned the authority of [[Moses]].
[[Moses]] and Aaron did not defend themselves; they let [[God]] do the defending. [[Moses]] instructed Korah and his 250 men to bring censors (pots for burning incense) to the Tabernacle where [[God]] would demonstrate who was right in the dispute. He called for Dathan and Abiram to come, but they defied [[Moses]]' authority and refused to obey. In verse 25 [[Moses]] goes to them. Note how the men blamed [[Moses]] for their failure to enter the Promised Land (verses 13,14), when in reality it was their own unbelief that blocked the way. For these men to rebel against [[Moses]] meant rejecting the [[Word]] of [[God]], for he was [[God]]'s [[prophet]]; and to rebel against Aaron meant rejecting the work of [[God]] on the [[altar]], for he was [[God]]'s Priest. Men and women should be very careful about rebelling against the authority of government and the church. We must realize that the "king's heart is in the hand of the [[Lord]], as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." No leader, whether he be president, governor, pastor, or whatever, is in a position he may fulfill without [[God]] allowing him to be there. With one twinkle of an eye [[God]] can remove presidents from office and pastors from the leadership of a church; through sickness, [[death]], or whatever. Never be guilty of trying to run [[God]]'s business for Him, but believe, in every situation, that He is in full control. [[Satan]] is the prince of the power of the air, and the ruler of this world, but he is [[God]]'s unwilling servant. He can do nothing without [[God]]'s permission.
There are several practical applications to be learned from today's reading: (1) The servant of [[God]] need not defend himself. If his work and walk are what they ought to be, [[God]] will step in and defend him. Read Psalm 37 very carefully. This is my favorite chapter in the [[Bible]] and, if applied to your life daily, it will completely change your life. (2) Rebellion against authority is a dangerous [[sin]]. We see it on every hand today and we wonder how long it will be before [[God]] will step in with [[judgment]]. (3) In Christ we have all the authority we need. When a person receives Christ as his own personal [[Saviour]], he becomes joint heirs with Him, part of the family of [[God]] ([[John]] 1:12). What other authority could anyone ask for?
