Numbers 16

Don’t get swallowed up!

As I was reading Numbers 16 last night, the Lord revealed a couple things to me. I encourage you to read the whole chapter, but I will summarize it for you here. Basically Korah, Dathan and Abiram became discontent with the position God gave them, and with their leaders (Moses and Aaron). Long story short, they challenged God and literally got swallowed up in the earth. A lot can be said about honor in this chapter, but I want to focus on being content.

God had brought the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt into the wilderness where they would be tried and should have been refined. Instead of drawing close to God and letting Him change their mindsets, they rebelled on several occasions. God wasn't wanting to hurt them or cause them to wander aimlessly, He wanted to deliver them from the mindset of being slaves and the culture of Egypt. God doesn't lead us through anything that will end in destruction (Jeremiah 29:11) but it’s our choice if we want to follow His path or not. That’s why these stories are recorded in the Bible, so we can learn from them and not make the same mistakes.

What I think is most interesting is how discontent Korah and company were. Verse 13 of Numbers 16 says this:

Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us?

They were so focused on their own comfort and how they felt, that they didn't look beyond their current circumstances to the hope of the promise land. They rather looked back to the bondage of Egypt and called that a blessing!! That’s what happens when you don’t recount Gods faithfulness and you don’t put your hope and trust in Him. You become disobedient and discontent. 

Korah, Dathan and Abiram let their pride, jealousy and discontentment grow rebellion in their hearts. That led them to try their own plans and ultimately to destruction. So, be on guard and always be thankful to God where you’re at and what you’re doing. 

Some practical advice on being content: 

• Know God has your life in His hand:  Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] - Hebrews 13:5 (AMP)
• Honor God where you are at, don’t despise the situation or the position you’re in right now. 
• Allow Him to change you in good times and bad.