14 February | Teens
«And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the Lord hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. » Numbers 16: 28
The story of Korah, Dathan and Abiram is one of the most dramatic in the Old Testament. It shows what happens when we challenge God's established authority. Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, questioning why they should lead the people of Israel and suggesting that everyone in Israel was holy like them and capable of leading.
Knowing that his leadership had been appointed by God, Moses proposed a test to see whom God would choose. He asked Korah and his followers to bring censers before the Lord, and God Himself would show whom He had chosen. The answer came in a horrifying way: the earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan and Abiram; and a fire of the Lord consumed the 250 men who offered the incense, demonstrating the seriousness of defying the divine orders and their leaders.
Today's story teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of respecting and following God's chosen lead. It shows us that disrespectfully questioning or challenging God's established order can have serious consequences. It's a reminder that, even when we don't understand every leader's decisions or directions, there is a greater plan at work, and trusting in divine wisdom is key. Respecting leadership does not mean you cannot ask things. Rather, it means we need to understand the value of order and harmony that God desires for community life.
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Write a short thank you card or a letter to someone you see as a God-given leader in your life, acknowledging their guidance and care.