#DailyDevotion God’s People Can Be So Stupid, I Mean Sinful Sometimes

Easter Week 7 Wednesday

Read Num 16:23–40

Num 16:33-34  So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly.  (34)  And all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up!”…41  But on the next day all the congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and against Aaron, saying, “You have killed the people of the LORD.”…46  And Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, and put fire on it from off the altar and lay incense on it and carry it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone out from the LORD; the plague has begun.”…48  And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped.  (49)  Now those who died in the plague were 14,700, besides those who died in the affair of Korah.

You should never underestimate the stupidity or the sinfulness of the people of God or anyone one else. Let’s reason this together. First, Korah and those who followed him, after seeing all that Moses had done, after seeing what the Lord did to Moses’ sister when she went against him, decides to rebel against Moses and Aaron and decide they want to do what they want to do, even if that is serve the Lord in a specific capacity. Their spirit wasn’t right about it but rather was prompted by an evil desire. Now the Lord has the earth devour the who of Korah’s household and those who followed him. Then those with the censures were burnt up in fire from the Lord.

So what is Israel’s response to this? They blame Moses and say he killed them and they want to rebel against Moses. This is the next day! Are you kidding me? Well the Lord is having none of this and sends a plague upon his people to punish them and discipline those who survive. It is only Moses’ and Aaron’s intercession and sacrifice which stays the plague. Moses and Aaron actually intercede for those who are rebelling against them. Now we should note that judgment begins with the house of God. These people should have known better. They had seen the miracles, heard the voice of the Lord, and heard the teachings of the Lord from Moses’ lips. Yet sin within them got the better of them.

We who follow the Lord Jesus Christ should take head. Do not think too highly of yourselves reading this thinking you would never do anything like that! Those in the heights falls the hardest. Instead, learn the lesson and humble yourselves under God Almighty’s hand. Accept the lot in life you get without complaining. You think you deserve a better life and outcome of life, do not complain against the Lord. Turn to the Lord and petition him humbly sure. Work harder and smarter if possible, certainly. But let us always remember the Lord Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. Like Moses and Aaron he delivered us from the power of sin, death and the devil. He intercedes for us to the Father. Jesus sacrificed himself so that we might live. It’s easy to point fingers. Just remember, there are three more pointing back at you.

Heavenly Father, grant us such faith that we do not despise your goodness to us but give us hearts that are content and thankful for all your benefits. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.