Then you shall deposit them in the tent of meeting before the testimony, where I meet with you. And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout. Thus I will make to cease from me the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against you.” Numbers 17:4-5 ESV
Chapter 16 of Numbers shows how God dealt with the rebellion of Korah, with the 250 chiefs with him, in God's anger with the rebellion of these people, they were eaten by the earth alive. The earth opened and swallowed them all to their death. Immediately after that was plague send by God because instead of repenting, they rest of the people even blamed Moses for what happened as consequences to their rebellion. Those who died in the plague numbered 14,700. The plague stopped when Aaron stood between the dead and the living, offering to the Lord. Aaron, the one being opposed, the one being questioned instead of rejoicing for the doom that happened to this people followed the instruction of Moses and made atonement for the people. The text above in chapter 17 was God's way to put an end to anyone who will question Moses and Aaron's authority. That the authority they carry was not self appointed, it was God ordained. And it is a lesson for the people not to usurp authority for themselves. Promotion comes from God. It comes from a heart of service. And at the same time, it will be a reminder for the following generation that God deals with rebellion seriously. It is not something the Lord will simply ignore. In application, may we continue to respect, honor, and submit to God given authority, and just continue to minister with a heart of service. When it's time for God to promote. He will do it. Promotion and timing comes from God. 14 February
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