Day 61 – Numbers 16-17

Talking Points

• Some of the Levites who were not in Aaron’s family are bitter because they are not priests, and they accuse the priests of taking on too much authority. Moses tells them to prepare, to come and perform the priestly duties, and see if the Lord accepts them.
• In a radical demonstration, the ground opens up and swallows the leaders of this rebellion. The other participants are consumed in fire. Strangely, the Israelites blame Moses and Aaron for their deaths.
• Once again revealing their hearts for the people and integrity in leadership, Moses and Aaron intercede on behalf of the nation. Atonement is made, saving many lives. But, in the end, 14,700 people died, in addition to those who rebelled.
• God calls each of the 12 tribes to present a wooden rod with their name on it. The rod from Aaron budded as a sign from God revealing He had appointed Aaron as priest. This was really an act of great mercy intended to show the people God’s order and prevent further grumbling and the deaths of anyone who might rebel again.

Thoughts

Jealousy. At the heart of division, divisiveness, and disunity, we find jealousy. Somebody has something you think is better than what you have — a better position, a better title, a better job. Maybe it’s the one everyone notices or the one that seems more glamourous. Whatever it is, they have it and you want it.

As we watch God’s people, we first see that Aaron wants to be Moses, and so he grumbles against him. Then, we see some of the people want to be Aaron, and so they grumble against him. It is the same cycle. Somebody has a position thought to be better than theirs, and they want it.

Today, God’s people have the truth that no person is any better than another. We also have the truth that, in His sovereign wisdom, God does place people in the roles He desires, gifting them specifically for those roles. But, still, here it comes again — jealousy. Somebody has something you think is better, and you want it. Here we go again!

So, how do we get out of this cycle? The answer that produces the best result and brings God the most glory is to discern where God has placed you, and then radically, wildly seek to serve Him there. I mean radically! It may be the world’s most God-pleasing bus driver, teacher, pastor, cook, or musician. But, true success, fulfillment, and joy will only result when we embrace our God-given roles and serve Him in them. All the while, we can have hearts that beat, “He is worthy!”

“But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” 1 Corinthians 12:18