When Betrayal Comes - March 12 Readings: Numbers 16, Mark 12:1-17, Psalm 34:16-22, Proverbs 7:1-3

Links to March 12 Readings: Numbers 16, Mark 12:1-17, Psalm  34:16-22, Proverbs 7:1-3

Moses, like most leaders, was challenged by those he led. Korah, Dathan and Abiram complained that they too were holy and should take part in the leadership of the people. They grasped for what God gave Moses. Moses never sought power; it was given to him by God - in fact, he fought it pretty hard in Exodus 3-4. But now, in Numbers 16, Moses is God's man to lead Israel and a few folks were chafing at his high standing.

This devotional is not about Moses' power or about the rebellious men identified here. It is about how Moses responded to this challenge to his place. He demonstrated humility, integrity and faith in everything he did.

First of all, Moses sought God. When the rebellion came to his attention, he did not despair, run away or strike back in vengeance. He fell on his face before God.

Second, he depended completely on God to protect his place and power. He practiced the reality of the biblical truth that vengeance belongs to God, and only to God. He sought the Lord and stood back as God struck down those who challenged and opposed him. He left the fight in God's hands.

Finally, and perhaps most startlingly, he did not just seek God's protection from the people, but he sought God's blessings on them. Twice, God was ready to destroy his people, but Moses interceded and asked for protection for them. God spared Israel in response to Moses' prayers.

Each one of us has people who come against us and try to hurt us. Friends who betray  us. People who mistreat us. Those who cause us pain. When this happens, we must seek to respond as Moses did. We must call out to God for help, for protection, for wisdom in dealing with our tormentors. We must not seek vengeance, but must forgive them. We must let God be our shield and our strength. And through all of this we must remember that even those who make themselves our enemies are people for whom Christ died. We are commanded by God to be a blessing even to those who curse us.

Father, may I respond to opposition, betrayal and abuse as Moses did. May I turn to you for help, not rely on myself. May I be a blessing even to those who make themselves my enemies.