Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.
Today, read Numbers 16-18. Jealousy and pride ruled a self-centered man named Korah. He wanted more power, more authority, and a higher position. His arrogance and ambition are somewhat like Lucifer’s fall described in Ezekiel 28.
Because of Korah’s jealousy of God’s relationship with Moses and Aaron, and his pride in thinking he was holy and due special recognition, his entire family was swallowed up underground in an earthquake sent from God. Korah’s followers were then consumed by fire.
Pride is at the core of all sin. Pride is all about self – what I want, what I need, what I think, what I feel, what I believe. Pride is direct opposition to God. It disregards His sovereignty.
The writer of the Proverbs tells us that God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Is it any wonder that God responded to Moses’ humility by destroying his arrogant opposition?
Notice Moses’ humility in Numbers 16:4. He fell face down. He was humbling himself before God and his opposition. How and why would he do that? He knew the intimacy of his own personal relationship with Yahweh and He trusted Yahweh to defend him.
Do you have those who often come against you? It might be a family member, a friend, or someone in your church or at your job. Someone who, for whatever reason, seeks to humiliate you or bring you down while trying to elevate themselves. Be faithful, pray and trust God to defend you.
The apostle Peter said, “Humble yourself under the mighty power of God and at the right time, He will lift you up in honor.” I Peter 5:6.
What truth does the Spirit reveal to you through the story of Korah's rebellion? How are you too prideful or jealous? Write your thoughts in your journal.
Pray: El Gibbor, the Conquering God, may my faith be strong enough to trust You even when enemies come against me. Help me to remember that as I trust and obey You, You are my Defender. Forgive me for those times when pride urges me to strike back or seek to damage others. Lord, I want to be in Your Presence so often that, in the midst of turmoil and pressure, I can rest in Your unfailing love and protection.
