Fear, Pride, and Rebellion

Numbers 14-16; Mark 3 

“Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp…Korah, son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites – Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth – became insolent, and rose up against Moses…”

Numbers 14:44; 16:1, 2

This painful chapter in Israel’s Sinai journey exposed the hearts of leaders, including the Levites. The giants witnessed by the twelve spies in Hebron exposed fear in ten of the tribal leaders and in the majority of the community. Their response of grumbling against Moses’ leadership and ultimately their rebellion, led to presumption of action and the deaths of many people. When the warriors went to the “high hill country,” it appears they were trying to secure a strategic location. Presumption in any mission is dangerous! Repentance requires us to ‘stop, wait, and listen (obey)’ before we move forward. The Lord wants to change our hearts, so we don’t repeat the same sinful behaviors.

What in this story can we relate to, and what is our response?

“Lord, expose and change my heart, for your glory.”