September 12, 2022 — Showdown At The Tabernacle Door

There is only one place of safety. Everyone else is under “the wrath of God” (Jn 3:36).

It’s time to put Korah’s boast to the test—that they have as much right to enter the tabernacle as the priests! Does God think so? “Every man took his censer, put fire in it, laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the tabernacle of meeting with Moses and Aaron. And Korah gathered all the congregation against them at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation” (Num 16:18-19). What a sad situation! They were not standing against the enemies of the Jews, of which there were many. No, they gathered “against them,” the servants of the Lord. Then—an ominous sign for the rebels—“the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron” (v 20). They weren’t in the loop, were they! “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment,” said the Lord (v 21). Oh no, cried Moses, falling on his face again. Don’t destroy the whole nation for the sins of one man! The Lord relented, but everyone was warned to distance themselves from these men who had committed treason against the government of God. Suddenly, “the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up…So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly” (vv 32-33). What? Why did that happen? Well, said God, they were warned. If you side with the devil against God, you’ll end up moving in with him. I appealed to you through My servant, Moses. The line was drawn and everyone had to take a position on one side or the other. There is no neutral ground. Only believing the gospel will transfer you “from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that [you] may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26:18). No one else is safe!

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