The Israelites were camped out in
the Wilderness after they didn't want to obey and follow God into
the Promised Land. And there a rebellion started against Moses.
Korah was the ring leader and he conspired with Dathan and Abiram
against Moses. The rebellion gathered momentum and soon 250 of the
Israeli leaders were on their side too. They went to Moses and
Aaron and said:
"You have gone too far! Everyone in
Israel has been set apart by God, and He is with all of us. What
right do you have to act as though you are greater than anyone else
among all these people of the Lord?" Numbers 16:3
Moses must have been shocked. It
was clear from the beginning that God chose Moses to lead the
people and to be close to Him and receive instructions from Him.
Moses never once exalted himself above the people and
claimed that he was greater than anyone else. He simply did what
God told him to do. His only mission in life was to obey God and
nothing else. And God exalted him due to his humble attitude and
due to his zest in serving the Lord.
But people became jealous. First it
was Aaron and Miriam, his own family, and now it was the leaders of
Israel. Poor Moses, his obedience to God led him to being a target
of others' sinful desires.
Now Moses' reaction is really
admirable. He didn't get personal with them and threw accusations
at them. No, he took the problem to God and told all the people
that God would show them all who was His chosen one. He
was prepared to take a step back and let God act.
Today we can also expect
accusations from people who are jealous of people who truly follow
the Lord's leading in their lives. I experienced a lot of it when I
resigned and followed the Lord's calling on my life. A whole number
of people constantly asked me why am I not working anymore, have I
become lazy or what? Or am I a lady of leisure now, too grand to
work? It hurt me, but I knew the truth, I was merely following God
and what He wanted me to do. I think it would have been easier to
continue working than to follow the Lord's leading. And I
constantly need to remind myself that at the end of the day what
really matters is that one continues in your walk with God and
leave the issue with Him like Moses did.
Another lesson is that even if you
are walking in your calling, don't long for someone else's. Don't
be jealous of the task that the Lord has given them. He knows best
and He knows what will make you happy. Korah was a Levite appointed
for special service at the Tabernacle and he was mentioned as one
of the chief men of Israel in Exodus 6. He had an important role to
play, but he wasn't satisfied with it, he wanted more. He wanted
the prestige and honor that Moses received. And this jealousy cost
him dearly. He lost his life and he lost the privilege of serving
God.
Don't let jealousy consume you and
don't long for another position. Be the best that you can be in the
position God has placed you in, serve Him with all your might and
He will exalt you at the right time and in the right direction that
He would want you to go. Do not jump the gun, it can prove to be
very costly.
Thank you Lord that each of us has
a very special position to fill. Thank you that You look out for
each one of us. Please forgive us that we tend to desire what You
have given someone else. Help us to do the best with what You have
given us; we know that that would be the best for us at the end of
the day. In Jesus Name. Amen