"Betrayed" February 6 Readings: Numbers 15-20

Today's Reading - Numbers 15-20

Background

There are several stories in today's reading, but the first few chapters focus on priestly issues. In chapter 16, the Levite Korah (along with Dathan and Abiram) incite a riot against Moses claiming they don't need to submit to him. God responds with harsh judgment to uphold Moses' authority. Chapter 17 tells of the budding of the staff of Aaron, again demonstrating the blessing of God. This staff eventually ended up in the Ark of the Covenant. After chapters 18 and 19 give more instructions about the priests, chapter 20 tells of the sad end to Moses' dream of entering the Promised Land. Moses is told to speak to the rock but he strikes it again (must have been Baptist - do it the way he's always done it) and God responds by refusing to allow him to enter the land of promise.

Devotional - Betrayed

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.

True men and women of God never grasp after power and authority, but when God gives it to them, they use it for his glory and honor. And when that authority is challenged, as Moses' was here, they demonstrate humility, integrity, and faith in all that they do. Look at how Moses handled himself from the events of Numbers 16.

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, sought God's guidance, protection, and leading. Look at verses 4 and 5.

When Moses heard it, he fell on his face, and he said to Korah and all his company, “In the morning the Lord will show who is his, and who is holy, and will bring him near to him."

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. He interceded for the people who sought his destruction. In verse 46, when the wrath of God was being poured out on the people, Moses instructed Aaron to make a fire on the altar and make atonement to turn aside the wrath of God. One might think Moses would stand back and cheer the wrath of God poured out against those who have spoken against him and sought to hurt him. But he went to God on their behalf and God spared Israel because of these 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. 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. 

Think and Pray

Have you experienced betrayal and hurt from others?
How did you respond? Did you turn to God in faith or did you respond in bitterness or despair?