KORAH
On the global scene, some notorious historical figures might have largely remained anonymous if they had not tried to grab on to more than they could hold. By refusing to be content with what they had, and by trying to get more than they deserved, they ended up with NOTHING! Korah, our biblical character of this week who was one of the leaders in Israel is an example of such. His story is told in Numbers 16:1-40. He was also mentioned in Numbers 26:9 and Jude 11
Korah was a levite who assisted in the daily functions of the Tabernacle. Shortly after Israel’s great rebellion against God in Numbers 13 and 14, Korah instigated his own mini rebellion. He recruited a grievance committee and confronted Moses and Aaron. Their list of complaints boils down to the following statements:
1. You are no better than anyone else….;
2. Everyone in Israel has been chosen of the Lord….;
3. We don’t need to obey you…..
Though the first two statements are generally true on the face of it, Korah twisted them to reach a wrong conclusion. Moses bing the meekest man that lived at that time, could easily have agreed that he was no better than anyone else, and that the Israelites were God’s chosen people. However, Korah’s application of these truths were out of order- Certainly not all Israelites were chosen to lead. The error of his hidden message of having as much right to lead as Moses cost Korah not only his position of service that he enjoyed, but also his life.
Korah’s story poses serious warnings to us today as it did then, some of which are:
– Not to let the desire for what someone else has make you discontented with what you already have.
– Not to try to raise your own self- esteem by attacking someone else’s
-Not to use part of God’s word to support what you want, rather than allowing its entirety to shape your wants.
– Not to expect to that satisfaction can only come from power and position; but recognise that God may just want to work through you in the position you currently are.
*Strengths and Accomplishment*
• A popular leader; an influential figure during the Exodus
•Korah was mentioned among the chief men of Isarel in Exodus 6
•He was one of the first Kevin’s appointed for special service in the Tabernacle.
*Weaknesses and Mistakes*
•He failed to recognise the significance of the position God had placed him in.
•He forgot that by fighting against Moses, he was outrightly setting himself against God.
•Korah allowed greed to blind his common sense.
*Important Lessons from his life*
• There is sometimes a thin line between goals and greed. Onus is on us to find the right balance
• If we are discontented with what we have, we may lose it without ultimately gaining anything better in return.
KEY VERSES
Then Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi: Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?
Numbers 16:8-10 NKJV
