Day 64 - Swallowed Alive!

Today's Reading: Num. 15-16 and Acts 18

If there's anything that stands out to me from today's reading, the thought is, "Don't attack God's appointed leadership!"

Here we see the rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiriam who said to Moses and Aaron, "What makes you think you can be prince and ruler over us? We are all holy just like you. Why do you assume to lead?"

This comes not long after Aaron and Miriam themselves (in yesterday's reading) rose up with the same questions and doubts... It makes me wonder if Aaron and Miriam planted seeds that spread to open rebellion among the leaders of the congregation? But oh how dangerous to stand up against God's appointed leadership...

Of course, we may struggle at times with decisions leaders make ... we may not like how they act. But the following verses keep things in perspective for me:

First it is God that sets up Kings--even the heathen King Pharaoh whose heart was hardened and who made the lives of the children of Israel so miserable.

Dan 2:21 - "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."

And we should respect the leaders that God has placed or allowed to be put in place!
Rom. 13:1 - "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."

This is why I believe, instead of criticizing or casting stones at those in leadership, our first call is to prayer. If they aren't doing as they should, God will address these problems in due time. But we should be praying rather than sitting as judge against them.

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior." 1 Tim 2:1-3

Korah, Dathan and Abiriam stood against God's appointed leadership and they were swallowed alive as a result! Wow! While we may not be swallowed alive today, it doesn't mean our criticisms against God's anointed are any less serious. Someday we will given an account for our words.

Dear Lord, please forgive us as a people for being so quick to throw stones instead of praying for those in leadership!

Tomorrow's Reading: Numbers 17-19 and Acts 19