CHAPTER 10 ONCE MORE INTO THE BREACH
As we saw before, it would appear that the generation which followed this one was obedient (Joshua 1:17), but as we shall see next, their parents still had not changed their rebellious ways. According to Nu.16:1-35
Korah ... (Levite) and certain Rubenites rose up against Moses ... when Moses heard this he fell facedown. Then he said, '... in the morning theLord will show who belongs to Him' ... Moses also said to Korah 'Now listen you Levite! Isn't it enough ... that God ... has separated you ... but now you are trying to get the priesthood too.' (F)ire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense." (parenthesis and emphasis added).
The underlined portions of this 11th example reveal yet three more areas we need to consider. These are: rebellion against the Lord's leaders, failure to be satisfied with that part of the body of Christ to which we have been assigned and God's way of doing things is the only acceptable way. We are also shown one further example of noteworthy behavior; Moses did not attempt to defend His position rather, he left that to God.
Concerning the issue of authority, it is interesting to note that this is the third time that Moses' authority was directly and openly challenged. It was challenged in Nu.14:124 and even earlier in Nu.12:1-5 wherein we were shown that God had struck Miriam with leprosy when both she and Aaron made the same mistake. Even when God's anointed leader goes astray, such as was the case with Saul, David - who could easily have killed him - took to heart what we are being shown here. In I Sam.26:19 he asks this question "... Who can lay a hand on the Lord's anointed and be guiltless?" Moses was God's anointed leader for that time and hour (Ps.106:23) and the Israelites ignored God's clear cut directive which is recorded for us in Ps.105:15, "Do not touch My anointed." While it is true that they did not physically attack him (though the threat had been there numerous times - Ex.17:4 & Nu.14:10), they were not in submission to his God given authority.
Because of the over emphasis that has occurred in this area, and the error which arises whenever we get out of balance, this is a touchy topic with many people. But to ignore it would be to ignore part of God's warning to us. To often believers have been deceived into thinking that submission means blind obedience, and that simply is not true. Remember, neither Daniel nor Shadrach, Meshech nor Abednego obeyed the king's command when they knew that those commands were in direct violation of God's will. However, they were in submission to him in that they recognized the fact that the authority these kings had came from God (Dan.3:16-18; Ro.13:1 & Titus 3:1). Paul recognized this principle, for in Acts 23:1-5 we see that he apologized for calling the High Priest a white washed wall. He did not know Ananissas' position when he made that comment, and upon discovering his error, he related the principle that we are not to speak evil of God's appointed leaders, much less kill them. Paul was submissive to their authority, but he did not obey their directive that he stop preaching about Jesus.
Note very carefully what I have said. You disobey only when you know that you know that you know that you know that the one in authority is in violation of God's Word. And then you put yourself totally in God's hand to protect you, preserve you, and deliver you from any consequences that may result from that disobedience. Note also that knowing that you know that you know etc. usually will come about after you have searched the Scriptures, gone to the Lord in prayer, and if possible, spoken directly to the one in authority about the issue involved.
You do not disobey merely because you think something is wrong, or because it does not sound right. God tells us that for the most part we are to obey our leaders (Heb.13:17). One of the things that will increase in the end times is disobedience (II Tim.3:1-5). It is as true that there is a reward for those who respect a righteous command (Prov.13:13) as it is that there may well be a time of testing which follows the refusal to obey an unrighteous one. All believers will be expected to refuse to accept some end time directive to worship the beast of Rev.13:8 regardless of what the consequences may be. The point is, the consequences which follow the failure to submit to and obey a righteous command may be just as deadly as those which follow the obedience of an ungodly one.
Moses' reaction to the rebellion of the Israelites presents us with a most interesting example of how a man reacts when he knows in his heart and soul that God has called him to the position he is occupying. Without backing down from those who would usurp the authority God had given him, he still did not engage in a long protracted defense of his position. Rather, he trusted God to vindicate His words. If God is God than He is perfectly capable of defending His choices without help from us (Judges 6:31).
During one of Balam's oracles to Balak he asked this rhetorical question: "Does He (God) promise and then not fulfill?" (parenthesis added - Nu.23:19) It would do us good to remember that God is watching to see that His Words are fulfilled (Jer.1:12). The time is coming when you may be forced to quietly stand before those who would see you defeated. You would do well in those instances to remember that God is our defender (Isaiah 51:22) and that He will fulfill the promises He has made to you (Ez.12:28). When it is time for you to speak it should be the Holy Spirit speaking through us as promised in Matt.10:19-20, and not some feeble attempt on our part to justify what we are doing. Then when we cry out to God "deliver me from my enemies O God; protect me from those who arise against me" (Ps.59:1), we will take joy in remembering that our Savior is called "Faithful and True" (Rev.19:11), and He is all the defense that we will need.
Those who came against Moses did so for perhaps the worst of all possible reason. They were envious of the part which God had called him to fulfill in His overall plan for the deliverance of His people. I can't help but wonder where these men were when Moses was standing in the gap for those 40 day periods of fasting and intercession we discussed earlier. Where were they when Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness learning how to be the type of shepherd the Lord could use to lead His people out of captivity! The point is however that we should gladly and willingly accept the part which God has called us to fulfill in His plan for our deliverance. To do otherwise is to provide proof that a big chunk of our old sinful nature has not been removed (Gal.5:21 & Ja.3:16).
It is absolutely necessary that we all reach the point wherein we realize that the body of Christ is indeed made up of many parts (I Cor.12:12-29). When we reach the fullness spoken of in Eph.4:13 we will also be walking in the fullness of the unique gift which has been given to each of us (Ro.12:6). At this point we will be the type of army spoken of in Joel 2:7-8. We will "... march in line, not swerving from (our) course. (We) do not jostle each other..." (parenthesis added). The admonition "... stand firm..." in I Cor.16:13 literally tells us not to break ranks. In the Greek language this is a military term directing us to not only not to give ground to the enemy, but to stand together. Harmony amongst the brothers brings life - envy brings death (Prov.14:30).
While there can be no doubt that Korah's envy led to his death, I would ask you to consider something else which his death shows us. As an excuse for his uprising Korah said that all Israel was just as holy as Aaron and Moses. As such, they were all equally entitled to come before the Lord to offer the proscribed sacrifices (Nu.16:3). It is obvious that he had forgotten the lesson which should have been learned with the death of Aaron's sons back in Lev.10:1-20. That lesson is short and simple. There is only one way into God's presence - His way. Perhaps I should subtitle this portion of our study 'God's definition of holiness is the only one that counts'
Heb.10:14 informs us that while we have been made perfect already by the sacrifice of Jesus (in spirit = Heb.10:23), we are currently going through the process of being made holy. Another word for holy is sanctified, and John 17:17 shows us that we are sanctified by the truth of the word. The Holy Spirit works upon our souls (minds) so that they can be purified by obeying the truth (John 16:13; Ps.119:9 & I Pe.1:22). It is quite simply a matter of life and death for us to learn God's definition of holiness, for as can be seen from II Tim.3:1-2 and Eph.5:27 in the last days the world will be unholy, but the church will be holy. Since only the holy may walk on Zion (Ps.15:1 & Isaiah 35:8-10) it behooves us to begin walking in that way now. Remember, in soul and body you are not holy merely because you are saved in spirit. You are holy because you are walking in the way and manner which fits God's definition (I John 2:6), not someone else's.
We are now shown perhaps the most intriguing example of forgiveness and intercession on the part of any person other than Jesus contained in Scripture. The need for this forgiveness and intercession is precipitated by the 12th example of negative behavior demonstrated by the nation of Israel as a whole during their wilderness journey. It appears that the very next day after God had swallowed up the families and possessions of Korah in the earthquake, and consumed Korah and his followers with fire, the people came to Moses grumbling and complaining that he Moses had done these things to their friends (Nu.16:41). Rather than throw up his hands in exasperation and walk away from them in order that God might destroy them as He was desirous of doing (Nu.16:45), Moses and Aaron prostrated themselves before God to again intercede on the people's behalf. Aaron went among the people with his censor (a form of prayer = Ps.141:2) and "... stood between the living and the dead and the plague stopped" (Nu.16:48).
Moses was truly an example of a man who was capable of forgiving 70 times 7 (Matt.18:21-22). Long before Jude 23 was written, he and Aaron were snatching their brothers and sisters from death. While there is no doubt that these are the caliber of workers that we should ask God to send forth into the fields (Matt.9:37), we must remember that we are the ones whom God is sending (Matt.28:19 & Acts 1:8). In recalling the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matt.18:35 remember also that our duty is not only to intercede for those who come against us, but to forgive them from the depths of our heart.
It appears that the budding of Aaron's staff came about as a direct result of this particular episode. In directing Moses to bring the staffs of each tribal leader into His presence, and then causing one to sprout, God was displaying His divine power in order to "... rid Myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites" (Nu.17:5). While we have seen in a previous example that God directs us to submit to His chosen leaders, this lesson shows us that grumbling against the leaders God has chosen is the same as grumbling against Him. The next time you feel like castigating the President, I suggest you examine the principle behind John 19:11; Dan.2:21; Dan.4:17 and Ps.47:9. If after having done so you are still not certain as to what to do, consider Eccl.10:20 which says "Do not revile the king even in your thoughts."
To often we attempt to justify our failure to submit to the leaders whom God has placed in positions of authority by listing their shortcomings. It must be remembered however that God chose these people in spite of their weakness. Dare we now attempt to second guess God. Aside from Jesus there has not been one perfect example of leadership for us to follow. The 13th example of Israel's wilderness blunders points out Moses' imperfections and God's reaction to it.
By now the Israelites had arrived in Kadesh where there was again a water shortage. In spite of the past examples of God's miraculous provisioning power, the people again grumbled and quarreled with Moses (Nu.20:1-5). God told Moses to go to the rock with Aaron and the whole assembly. There he was to SPEAK to the rock and water would come forth (Nu.20:8). Moses however was upset with the people and said " 'Listen you rebels, must WE bring water out of this rock?' Then Moses STRUCK the rock twice ..." (emphasis added - Nu.20:10-11).
By using the word "we" Moses indicated that he had something to do with the process of bringing water from the rock. In doing so, he was attempting (perhaps inadvertently) to share the glory with God. Furthermore, when he struck the rock he broke the pattern which God had been establishing. God's response to him serves as a warning to us. "Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites you will not bring this community into the land I gave them." (Nu.20:12). God's appointed leaders will be held accountable directly to God, not to the assembly. As a side note, it is important to point out that even though the leader violated God's direction, God still provided for the needs of the people, for we see that in spite of the fact that Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, water still gushed out.
Moses was to physically die for his error, as did Herod in Acts 12:23. The rash words which came from Moses' lips (Ps.106:33) took him from the path of life into the valley of death (Deut.32:52). Eventually Moses did come into the promised land (Matt.17:3), but he had to die to get their. II Tim.3:2 warns us that in the last days people will be "... boastful, proud ... conceited ..." Is it any wonder than that David writes in Ps.115:1 "Not to us O Lord, not to us, but to Your Name be the glory."? Nor is there also any wonder that Paul loudly objected to the people's attempts to unduly honor him in Lystra (Acts 14:15).
Moses had made other errors during the journey, such as doubting God's ability to provide enough meat back in Nu.11:21, so we should not think that God was unduly harsh with him for this error. However, we must also remember that Moses had been given much in terms of revelations from God and his closeness with Him. Therefore, more would be expected from him (Matt.25:29). In this regard need I remind you that we also have been given much: the Name and authority of Jesus (John 17:11&18 and Mk.17:17)? Will not more be expected from those who are considered greater than Moses (Lk.7:28)? Remember, what we do is not done by our own ability, but by the ability we have been given by the Spirit of God (Zech.4:6).
However, Moses' rash words were only part of the problem. Perhaps the greater indiscretion related to his action of striking the rock, for in so doing he broke the pattern which God had established. As we saw in chapters 1 through 5 you will not come into the Father's presence without first physically dying if you don't follow His pattern. Moses broke faith with God when he struck the rock (Deut.32:51). You see, I Cor.10:4 tells us that the rock which accompanied the Israelites in the wilderness was Christ, and you cannot expect to crucify Christ a second time and live (Heb.6:4-6). And that is exactly what Moses did. He struck the rock (crucified Christ) the first time in Ex.17:6. This was part of the pattern, for Christ has indeed died once and for all for our sins. But the second time Moses struck the rock he figuratively crucified Christ a second time. In doing so he broke God's pattern, which in turn led to his death. God does not show favoritism (Acts 10:34; Deut.10:17 & Ro.2:11) and all those whom He has placed in positions of responsibility will be called to give an account (Ez.13:3-9; Jer.23:1; Ez.34:2 & Zech.11:17). And that goes for here on earth (Jer.25:35) as well as at the final judgment.
This is not the end of our study. It would seem that man's ability to invent ways to test God is seemingly endless. The 14th example of Israel's testing God is found in Nu.21:4-6. This time we find that the people "... grew impatient..." along the way and again spoke against God and Moses. God responded by sending venomous snakes among them. After the people repented and Moses again interceded for them, God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and place it upon a pole. When the people who had been bitten by the snakes looked upon the snake of bronze, they were healed. The portion of this event I wish to examine deals with the Israelite's impatience.
Many times Christians have received a prophecy or word of knowledge from the Lord and, after having received one or more confirmations run right out and try to help God bring it about. Then they get very upset if it doesn't take place within a day, a week or a month after having received it. God's timing is not our timing (II Pe.3:9), and the sooner we learn that, the better off we will all be. Concerning His promises He has said, "I am the Lord, in it's time I will do this swiftly" (Isaiah 60:22).
Consider Joseph. From the time of his dream (Gen.37:1&5) until the time of it's fulfillment about 22 years elapsed (Gen.41:46&53 and Gen.42:8). In between times he did not complain though there were times when "... they bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, till what he fore told came to pass, till the Word of the Lord proved him true" (Ps.105:18-see chapter 4 of A Closer Walk).
II Pe.1:5-7 directs us to add perseverance to our faith, because "... perseverance MUST finish its work so that you may be mature and complete" (emphasis added Ja.1:4). Since we know that Jesus is coming for a mature body of believers it would appear that perseverance is one quality all overcomers will possess. It is at this point that the warning against impatience and the rash actions it precipitates comes into perspective. You see, Ro.5:3 tells us that suffering produces perseverance, and it is most generally during times of trial that people grow impatient. Rather than exhibit impatience during times of testing we can exhibit joy because we know that "... the sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint ... I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near" (Isaiah 50:7-8). The revelation God has given you will not prove false, it will however come about in His time. As Hab.2:3 says, "Though it linger wait for it, it will clearly come and will not delay."
The 15th and final time of testing provides us with our 31st point of caution. One of satan's strongest weapons against us is sexual immorality, and he used it successfully when Israel was staying in Shittim (Nu.25:1). the Israelite men succumbed to the seduction of the Moabite women and joined them in their idolatry. For this 24,000 paid with their lives (Nu.25:9). Solomon was the wisest man to ever live (aside from Jesus), yet it was his sexual appetite that led him away from God (II Ki.11:4). Truly wise is the person who heeds the warning of Prov.5:1-8, "... the lips of an adulteress drip with honey ... but in the end she is bitter as gall .. her feet go down to death ..." Prov.6:26 sums it up by saying "... the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread", and it is stale bread at that.
Remember, one of the reasons we have been told by God to take heed lest we make these same mistakes is so that if this is the final generation we will not physically die as did the Israelites in the wilderness. Since sexual immorality is directly linked to our physical body in its capacity as a dwelling place for Christ (I Cor.6:13-20), we should not take lightly the warning of Eph.5:13. Should there be any doubt as to God's sincerity on this issue, all you need do is turn to Rev.21:8 to see what He has in store for the sexually immoral: namely, the lake of burning fire.
For purposes of summation, the negative points we examined in this study are as follows:
1) Refusal to listen to God - Ex.6:9
2) Discouragement - Ex.6:9
3) Using bondage as an excuse - Ex.6-9
4) Giving physical circumstances greater weight than God's Word Ex.14-10
5) Preferring our old life to a time of testing - Ex.14:10
6) Grumbling - Ex.14:31
7) Doubting God's promise of provision - Ex.16:1-3
8) Disobedience - Ex.16:1-3
9) Quarreling - Ex.17:1-7
10) Doubting God's presence Ex.17:1-7
11) Idolatry - Ex.32:8
12) Giving someone else credit for God's works - Ex.32:8
13) Lying - Ex.32:24
14) Complaining - Nu.11:1
15) Fellowshipping with rabble - Nu.11:4
16) Selling birthright for a meal - Nu.11:10
17) Doubting God's ability to deliver on His promise - Nu.11:21
18) Actions taken against direction of God's Word - Nu.13:27
19) Failure to act on God's Word - Nu.13:31
20) Failure to know who we are in God - Nu.13:33
21) Negative confession - Nu.14:3
22) Failure to enlist in the Army of the Lord - Nu.14:3
23) Presumptuousness - Nu.14:40-45
24) Rebellion against God's leaders - Nu.16:1-35
25) Failure to be satisfied with the part God has given you - Nu.16:1-35
26) Failure to recognize that God's way is the only way - Nu.16:1-35 27)
27) Complaining about God's leaders is complaining about God - Nu.17:5
28) Sharing God's glory - Nu.20:10-11
29) Braking God's pattern - Nu.20:10-11
30) Impatience - Nu.21:4-6
31) Sexual immorality - Nu.25:1
Also for purposes of summation, the following 7 positive points which we considered were:
1) Day of the Lord is darkness for wicked but light for us - Ex.14:21-24
2) Deliverance usually comes at darkest time of testing - Ex.14:21-24
3) God will test us - Ex.15:25
4) Miracles don't build faith, but they do get our attention - all the miraculous things the Israelites saw both in Egypt and in the wilderness did not lead them into an overcoming faith.
5) Power of intercession - Deut.9:25
6) God will defend us - Nu.16:5
7) We must be forgiving - Nu.16:45
Now that we have realized that we have made virtually every one of these mistakes ourselves, allow me to point out the fact that a journey on the road of holiness is not an impossible undertaking. The first thing to keep in mind is that the people of Israel were not barred from entering the promised land the first time they tested God. It was not until the 10th time. We have all tested God, which of course is a sinful thing to do (Matt.4:7), but I John 1:9 reminds us that we are to confess our sins, knowing that God forgives them when we do, and then go on with our walk. satan is the one who tells us to give up and not try again. God is the one who says press on (Phil.3:13-14).
He says this for a good reason. IT IS NOT AN IMPOSSIBLE JOURNEY. Caleb and Joshua made it!!! They did so "BECAUSE" they had a "... a different spirit..." and followed God "... wholeheartedly ..." (emphasis added - Nu.14:24). The ten spies who accompanied Joshua and Caleb were dominated by fear and devoid of faith. Joshua and Caleb were dominated by faith and devoid of fear. If this is the last generation - and Jesus commanded us to live as though it were (Mk.13:37) - then "IF the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us" (emphasis added - Nu.14:8). And it will not be necessary to physically die to get there. Praise the Lord!!!