SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
NUMBERS 16:1-11
ROMANS 12:3

"… not to think of himself
more highly than he ought to think..."

WORLDLY AMBITIONS BEGET APOSTASY

Korah was a man with considerable influence and bearing. He was able to provoke and give leadership to a sweeping rebellion against God-appointed leaders. He and his companions accused Moses and Aaron of setting themselves above the rest of Israel (Num 16:3,13). They were not prompted by physical needs and desires but were motivated by personal ambitions and worldly influences.

Korah’s object was not to abolish the distinction between the Levites and the people but to win priestly dignity for himself and his kinsmen. Moses exposed Korah’s motive to seize the high priesthood for himself, suggesting Korah’s aspiration for the highest religious office (Num 16:8-10). This shows his discontent with the prominent role that he already possessed as a significant member of the Levite tribe.

God has given every member of the church (whether a leader or a follower, old or young, male or female), the necessary gifts for the work of the ministry. No one should arrogate to himself a higher regard of who he really is before God’s presence.

Do we desire the positions of others? Do we long to be promoted for our personal glory and fame? Do we love to become prominent over others in the church? Do we seek for the praises and accolades of men? Do we aim for the highest pedestal in the hierarchy of our company? Do we intend to be the number one because we want others to kowtow to us? Perish that thought, O believer! Remember, you are only a recipient of what the Lord has given you. You are only a sinner saved by grace, and all glory and praises must be unto Him.

THOUGHT: Do I have the ambition to be promoted and to be great?
PRAYER: "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people" (Ps 113:7-8).