Read: Numbers 16:1-35, 26:11

“You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” (Numbers 16:3) Surrounded by his supporters, Korah lashed out at Moses and Aaron. He was a Levite, just like they were. Why should he be stuck cleaning the sanctuary while Aaron hogged the priesthood? And if Moses was good enough to talk to God, so was he. After all, he’d never had murdered an Egyptian.

God judged this rebellion with a spectacular show of force, wiping out leaders and followers alike. (Numbers 16:31-35) “Nevertheless, the children of Korah did not die.” (Numbers 26:11) Although Korah instigated the uprising, his family was not destroyed along with the others. Why not?

Fast forward generations, and Korah’s name pops up again. His descendants were still stirring up the people. Only this time, they sought God’s glory and none for themselves. Humility and contentment replaced arrogance and envy. “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere,” they wrote in one of many attributed psalms. “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:10)

God reached beyond Moses’ impulsive rage and called the leader of a new nation. He looked past an ancestor’s pride and preserved generations of worshipers. The prophet Samuel was another descendant of Korah. He experienced God’s redeeming insight when David the shepherd was chosen king over his warrior brothers. “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7). If God hadn’t intervened, David may have been overlooked for the kingship and Israel’s history would be very different.

Do you often see the best or worst in others? On what do you base your impressions of the people around you? Let’s ask God for the grace to align our viewpoint with His this week and always.

Be blessed,

R

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