In what ways can we ensure we are aligned with God's chosen purposes? Setting the Scene “Then he said to Korah and all his followers, ‘Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will enable that person to approach Him; the one He chooses, He will bring near to Himself.’” (Numbers 16:5) What This Moment Teaches Us • God Himself identifies those who are His. • Holiness is the qualifying mark. • Nearness to God is a privilege He grants, not a status we seize. Living in Step with God’s Chosen Purposes 1. Yield to God’s Established Authority • Korah’s rebellion was rooted in refusal to honor God-given leadership (Numbers 16:3). • Romans 13:1 reminds, “there is no authority except from God.” • Aligning means gladly submitting where God has placed order—in church, home, and society. 2. Pursue Practical Holiness • “The one He chooses, He will bring near to Himself.” Nearness and holiness travel together (Hebrews 12:14). • Daily choices—what we watch, how we speak, how we treat others—display whether we treasure holiness. 3. Draw Near on God’s Terms, Not Our Own • Korah barged toward priestly duties God never assigned him (Numbers 16:10). • Hebrews 10:22 calls us to “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith,” confident because of Christ, not self-promotion. 4. Guard the Heart Against Envy and Comparison • Korah’s complaint: “Why do you exalt yourselves?” (Numbers 16:3). Jealousy blinded him to his own honored Levite role. • James 3:16 warns that envy breeds disorder. Gratitude for your God-given lane protects unity and purpose. 5. Listen for the Lord’s Daily Direction • Moses waited until “tomorrow morning” for God to speak (Numbers 16:5). Patience kept him from impulsive retaliation. • Psalm 25:14 promises, “The LORD confides in those who fear Him.” Regular, unhurried time in the Word tunes the ear to His guidance. 6. Walk Humbly, Let God Vindicate • Moses “fell facedown” rather than defend himself (Numbers 16:4). Humility invites divine vindication. • 1 Peter 5:6 echoes, “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you at the proper time.” 7. Stay Anchored to the Identity God Gives • 2 Timothy 2:19: “The Lord knows those who are His.” Security in His choice frees us from striving for human validation. • John 15:16: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” Resting in that truth fuels confident obedience. 8. Serve Faithfully Right Where You Are • Korah already had temple duties (Numbers 16:9). Faithful service in assigned tasks is often the very path into broader purpose (Luke 16:10). • Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” 9. Cultivate a Spirit of Intercession, Not Accusation • Moses pleaded for mercy on the congregation (Numbers 16:22), modeling alignment with God’s redemptive heart. • Ezekiel 22:30 shows God seeking intercessors; stepping into that gap keeps us aligned with His purposes. Takeaway Snapshot • Submission, holiness, humility, patience, gratitude, and faithful service position us under God’s selecting hand. • Nearness to God isn’t earned by self-assertion but granted through reverent obedience and trust in Christ’s finished work. • As we stay low before Him and loyal to His Word, He makes clear our role and brings us near for His glory and our good. |
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