Commentary on "Power Struggle"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 3: Monday, November 9, 2009

 

Overview

The lesson points out that when Korah and those with him challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron, they were really rebelling against God having any control over their lives. As such, some very good points are made that apply to our present day life.

 

Observations

Yes, Korah and those with him were seeking power which comes in many forms but deeper down there was a “root cause” which was the source of their discontent.

And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief. (Heb. 3:17-19 ESV)

Their rebellion first came to a focal point when they were poised to enter the Promised Land and the spies returned with their reports. They could not enter the land and find rest, ultimately, because they simply could not believe. Their unbelief was that God is not who he says he is or that he would do the things he said he would do.

 

Summary

1. We need to keep in mind that Korah’s rebellion was a problem that had been ongoing since before they had departed Egypt. In many instances, including when he had parted the Red Sea, God had displayed his awesome power and love for the Hebrew people. Yet, they were unable to believe.
2. The people faced at least a twofold problem. God promised to lead them into the Promised Land. In spite of all the marvelous displays of his power, they kept thinking that they would fulfill God’s promises in their own power, by their own works and continually failed. Somehow, they also could not understand that they could not approach God in the nakedness of their own sin nature, that their sins must be covered.
3. Unbelief is a problem that is shared with our modern world. They kept behaving as if God isn’t real, isn’t holy and seemed to not understand that rebellion against God will always lead to fatal consequences.

 

GO TO DAY 4

 

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