Follow the Leader

Numbers 16-18
 
Numbers 17:8 When he went into the Tabernacle of the Covenant the next day, he found that Aaron’s staff, representing the tribe of Levi, had sprouted, budded, blossomed, and produced ripe almonds!
 
OUR prior lesson revealed Aaron’s and Miriam’s envy of Moses. As God settled that matter, a new dispute arose in the camp. Three clan leaders, Korah, from the tribe of Levi,  and Abiram and Dathan of the tribe of Reuben challenged Moses and Aaron, “What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the Lord’s people?” (Numbers 16:3b) God judged the three leaders’ and their 250 followers’ dissent to quick destruction.  
   But God’s swift and frightening judgment did not end rebellion in the camp. The very next day the general population complained against Moses and Aaron. Another 14,700 died in a plague because “The Lord is the one you and your followers are really revolting against!”
      Then the Lord further affirmed Aaron’s leadership with the fruit from Aaron’s staff. The almonds on the staff are an image of first fruits of the season. With Aaron’s staff added to the Ark, he Tabernacle of the Covenant became a further testimony of God’s sovereign authority over Israel.
   Notice that in all three accounts the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to the whole community. Do you think seeing God’s glory would cause fear in the dissenters’ hearts? it did not. Apparently they believed they were superior to both Moses and to God.
   That’s how sin is. It causes us to think, “My will be done.” and attacks God’s people and his church in many ways. We’ll read throughout the Bible that God’s anointed leaders are continually at risk because the core problem is that people rebel against God’s authority.
   The disciples James and John tried to advocate for their own power position in the kingdom leadership above their fellow disciples (Mark 10:35). Jesus rebuked this with his teaching on servant leadership. Submitting to church leadership is also an essential element in the New Testament epistles. The apostles’ letters were to bring the church under the true authority of Jesus Christ through those elders chosen to lead.
   It is easy for the church to forget God has ordained leaders to carry the staff of faith. Many godly, anointed men and women have been driven from the church with outright or subtle disobedience. When you know your leaders are following God, be committed to follow and help them. Seek to have a servant’s heart, open to following God’s leaders. Know it is God, who has put them in charge. And it is God who has placed you in position to help them.
 
Hebrews 13:7 Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.