Woe to them! For they have … perished in the rebellion of Korah.” (Jud 1:11, NKJV)
Furthering the previous discussion we should perhaps spend some time examining the various related misconceptions stemming from rebellion within a believer’s life. As so many believers have not had proper spiritual fathering, rebellion is perhaps the biggest problem most faith communities experience. Rebellious members are often beguiled into attacking the leadership of the church. A good example can be found in the case of Korah, as laid out in Num 16. This spirit always works by rallying up a gang (verse 6), usually made up of “men of renown” (verse 2). There are three accusations the spirit of Korah levels against spiritual authority – 1) “You take too much upon yourself”; 2) “All the members of the community belong to the LORD, and the LORD is with all of us.” 3) “Why do you set yourself above the LORD’s community?” (verse 3, GNB).
These questions are all legitimate ones, and MAY be asked, at times have to be asked, but if it is in any way a ganging up against authority, an attitude fuelled by rebellion, it becomes a revolt against God (verse 11; Rom 13:2), EVEN if there are very good reasons for being unhappy with the leadership.
With a word of wisdom, Moses (in verse 10), showed the rebellious band what was at the root of their problem – they secretly wanted to take up the positions of authority! These hardened hearts cannot submit, not even to an ordinary, decent request of the leadership (verse 12).
Despite the undermining of authority there is also an attempt to discredit the leadership through certain accusations. In verses 13 and 14 the underlying accusations are stated – “Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you should keep acting like a prince over us? Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? ”
God’s kingdom testifies of his perfect order – “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Cor 14:40; Col 2:5).
The barbarism Korah and co demonstrated, testified of another kingdom. Of the seven things that God hates, this is one – “one who sows discord among brethren” (Prov 6:16). How can such behavior be stopped, and what is the root of the problem? That will be our specific focus in the next few teachings.
- Sela: Ask God for forgiveness for any form of rebellion which has led you to bringing discord within the kingdom of God, even if only on a trivial level. Deal with all forms of rebellion in your life.
- Read: 1 Kings 21; Jer 5; 1 Cor 4
- Memorise: 1 Cor 4:15 & 20
- For a deeper understanding: Read chapter 6 in Pierce & Wagner-Sytsema’s The future war of the church.
