Don’t Be a Rebel - Lessons From KorahSýnishorn

Korah was a dissatisfied person

Korah was a Kohathite from the tribe of Levi. But although he was a Levite, he was not satisfied with his position or responsibility (the Kohathites were responsible for transporting the sanctuary elements).

At some point, Korah decided that all this manual labor was beneath him. Moses and Aaron were his cousins after all (Exodus 6:16-21)—but they led Israel while he was stuck on this menial job. It wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair. He felt that he deserved better. He wanted to be a priest, maybe even High Priest.

Korah wanted to overthrow the priesthood and install himself as high priest in place of Aaron,

His unwillingness to accept his role and dissatisfaction with what God had chosen was the seed of ultimate rebellion.

Korah was not content with what the Lord had called him to do. So, he wanted to put Moses down and accused him of pride and exclusionary leadership.

Discontentment breeds spiritual unrest, ingratitude, and arrogance. Korah’s greed did not accomplish a closer fellowship between God and His people. Instead of fostering intimacy, it only drove a wedge between them.

Pride and greed lead to spiritual blindness and a rejection of truth. In many instances, pride can be disguised by seemingly honorable reasons. Korah’s complaint against Moses and Aaron was grounded on his belief that since the entire nation of Israel was considered holy, no one should be seen as more exalted than anyone else. People often use spiritual jargon and even use God’s very name and presence to support their grievances (Numbers 16:3). However, Korah’s pretense was soon revealed as selfish ambition.

These personal grievances led Korah to stage a full-blown rebellion. Korah’s group grew in size as he lured thousands to his side throughout the night.

We must remember that those who desire most intensely the ability to wield power are also the most likely not to wield it well. As the saying goes, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

This can be true in the church as well. Some people aspire to positions of authority to lord it over others, not so that they can serve others.

An important lesson from Korah is not to let your desire for someone else make you discontented with what you already have.

How satisfied are you in what God has called you to do? Are you constantly looking for higher positions in Christian ministry?

Quote: I believe it might be accepted as a fairly reliable rule of thumb that the man who is ambitious to lead is disqualified as a leader. - A.W. Tozer

Prayer: Lord, I pray I will be content to do your will in the place you have placed me rather than be discontent and face spiritual unrest, ingratitude, and arrogance. Amen