Thurs Devo: Lesson Learned?

Numbers 16:41-45  ⁴¹ The next day the whole Israelite community grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “You have killed the Lord’s people,” they said.

⁴² But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the tent of meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the Lord appeared. ⁴³ Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the tent of meeting, ⁴⁴ and the Lord said to Moses, ⁴⁵ “Get away from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.” And they fell facedown.

Wow! I can’t believe the Israelites blamed Moses and Aaron for killing Korah, his clan, and his 250 followers. They aren’t giving God the credit and are giving too much credit to mere humans, Moses and Aaron. Plus, haven’t the Israelites learned their lesson yet? We’ve seen God step in each time the Israelites opposed Moses. God also stepped in when Miriam and Aaron opposed Moses. So, it’s no wonder God stepped in when Korah decided to challenge Moses and Aaron’s authority. We saw how full of pride Korah was, with no ounce of humility or repentance.

Each instance of opposition was really rebellion against God, His plan, and His choice of leaders. If I’m counting correctly, this is now the third time God has told Moses He plans to wipe out the Israelites, yet spare Moses. God knows the hearts of the people. Yet, each time, Moses appeals to God’s compassion and humbly pleads for mercy.

Are you and I more like the Israelites or Moses?

Do we keep learning lessons the hard way, over and over again?

Or, do we know and trust God’s holiness and His character, and humbly approach Him?

Alice