The Leadership ChallengeSample

Challenge 6

MOSES: WHEN A LEADER IS ATTACKED

READ: Numbers 16:1–50

On several occasions Moses faced direct attacks over his leadership. One of the most notable of these is that of Korah the Levite. The text tells us that this upstart—think of a junior officer from an important family—gathered over 250 Israelite chiefs in a power grab. They accuse Moses and Aaron, the high priest, of taking on too much power. It’s a baseless accusation but notice how Moses responds. He does not defend himself at first, but instead sets up a test that allows the Lord to determine who is right in the dispute. He reminds the rebels that their tribe already has special God-given responsibilities, so they are the ones overreaching their authority. The following morning, we see that God has His own opinions and that the rebellion has put the whole nation in danger! It takes quick intervention from Moses and Aaron to keep the consequences from spreading.

While we should use every means to defend ourselves against unjust attacks, sometimes we simply have to allow the Lord to be the one to vindicate us. How did the people of Israel respond to the fate of Korah’s rebels? What was the result? What qualities does Moses exhibit in the account that we can emulate when we find out leadership unjustly attacked?