October 30, 2023

Reading and studying the Old Testament can give you insight into the personality of God. He doesn’t play games, and like Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” He was quick to answer the rebellion of Korah and his cohorts when they came against Moses, wanting a more significant position than what they had. Korah was already elevated above the other tribes because they were part of the Levites, but in their eagerness, they wanted more. Why can’t the people of God accept the position he gives them without complaint? He will elevate his servants when he is ready. We see from Numbers 16 that God will not tolerate disrespect or rebellion against his chosen, and he opened up the ground and swallowed their entire families and all their belongings and then killed all the other priests offering fire and incense. I would have run and hid in my tent, not to anger him anymore, but people cried out against him, and he sent a plague. If Moses and Aaron hadn’t reacted quickly, they would have all died. Aaron stood between the dead and the living, and the plague stopped. 

Now, Jesus stands in the gap between us and God, saving us from the wrath we deserve. I have to think back and determine whether I have rebelled against God unintentionally in my complaining to him about things he has permitted to happen to those I love, like the congregation of Israel. Let us be more mindful of our thoughts and prayers and ensure they do not border on rebellion or disrespect against the one who loves us the most. 

And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. Numbers 16:47-48