Beware the Traits of Korah by Brother Curtis Hansen

         Good morning. If you would like to, please turn to the book of Numbers. We will be reading from chapter 16 and starting at verse 1. Our scripture reading is the account of a rebellion led by Korah in the wilderness against Moses and Aaron. At this time in the text, not only are the 12 tribes still in the wilderness, but they have been numbered, the rules and responsibilities have been established by God and dictated to Moses. 

        Now, Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliah, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men.

        Korah was a Levite. His associates were from the tribe of Reuben. They were not outside influencers or agitators stirring up this rebellion. Levites provided help and assistance to the priests working in the temple. This is a key fact to keep in mind as we read.

        2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown;

        3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?

        What can separate you from us? We are all holy. Who put you in charge? These questions are essentially what are being stated in the last 2 verses.

        4 And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face;

        5 And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even tomorrow the Lord will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him; even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

        Holiness is how you establish communication with God, you can't simply proclaim yourself holy, and then not do any work to better your character.

        6 This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company;

        7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the Lord tomorrow; and it shall be that the man whom the Lord doth choose, he shall be holy; ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi.

        Notice that Moses tells Korah, "Ye take too much upon you." This is the same statement Korah had said in verse 3 to Moses. A censer in this period was a small portable vessel used for carrying burnt coals from an offering or incense burned before God in worship.

        8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:

        9 Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?

      10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?

        The question being asked here is how much more do you want? How much authority do you need? These questions can be asked still today to yourself. Korah didn't want just the power and authority of the temple, Korah and his assembly wanted to return to Egypt.

        As a believer, beware of becoming like Korah and dissatisfied. It can happen either in your walk or in your communication. "Where's my promotion?" "Why am I in this season?" All the questions you ask pertaining to your life; God placed you there. The position and place your present is for you to learn something.

        God's kingdom doesn't operate on ambition. The world does. You can't create it yourself. Look at men like Abraham, Jacob, or David in the Old Testament. Korah was dissatisfied with his position in life because he wanted Aaron's place in the temple. In the New Testament, Jude references this in verse 11.

        Don't despise what God has given you. Comparison makes God's blessings ordinary. Before God ever promotes us, he sees how much gratitude we have in our present spot. Ambition should not replace your calling. Who are you to call God's authority?

        God confirms his calling. He doesn't need us to defend it. Why are you doing the things you are doing? Is it aligned with the scripture? Korah tried to prove himself. When God opens a door, you don't need to manipulate people. You don't have to compete. You need to pray and search the scripture.

        How many times do we go through the same trials in life? We are so similar to the people as in verse 41 of Numbers 16. 

        When God opens a door for you, you are your own competition and no one else. It's about incremental growth you can experience every day. You are here to serve God, everything else is a side quest in your life.