In the book of Numbers (Chapter 16), we read about some men who rebelled against Moses and Aaron. They are angry because they think Moses and Aaron are making themselves out to be more holy than the rest of the Israelites. These men are envious of the position Moses and Aaron have among the congregation of Israel.
Instead of going to the Lord, however (with humble and thankful hearts for being His chosen people), they grumble and rebel instead. They are not satisfied with their relationship or position with God. They want position among men. They want to be recognized as great in Israel.
What they don’t understand is that Moses and Aaron haven’t set themselves up in their respective positions. God has. They also don’t realize that they are not grumbling and rebelling against Moses and Aaron alone. They are rebelling against God Himself. Numbers 16:11 says, “Therefore it is against the Lord that you and all your company have gathered together. What is Aaron that you grumble against him?” Even though we may think we’re only grumbling against our peers and our immediate authorities, we are really grumbling against the Lord.
Not all Christians are called to do and be the same. God has made us all different parts of the same Body (1 Corinthians 12:12). We need to remember who God says we are. We need to meditate on our identity in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV) tells us we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that we may proclaim the excellencies of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Did you catch that? As a Christian, you have what the rebellious men in Numbers 16 wanted — a Royal Priesthood that only God can give. He freely gives us His royal inheritance and a relationship with Him.
Instead of grumbling against Him for not having the worldly positions and possessions others have, let’s thank God that we are His chosen race, His royal priesthood, His holy nation, His own possessions.
Let’s remember this and proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Chosen,
Billy
Posted in A Word from the Pastor