What lessons on humility and obedience can we learn from Numbers 16:12? Setting the scene “Then Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, ‘We will not come!’” (Numbers 16:12) Moses, God’s appointed leader, gives a simple summons. The response is blunt refusal. One short verse, yet it exposes a heart posture at odds with the humility and obedience God desires. The heart attitude exposed • Pride: Dathan and Abiram act as though they know better than God’s chosen servant. • Contempt for authority: Their words dismiss both Moses and, ultimately, the Lord who placed Moses over Israel (cf. Romans 13:1–2). • Self–importance over community: Their refusal threatens unity, encouraging broader rebellion. Lessons in humility • Recognize delegated authority – God raises up imperfect leaders for His purposes (Hebrews 13:17). • Submit before speaking – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • Remember Christ’s model – “He humbled Himself… becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). • Humility invites God’s presence – “This is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit” (Isaiah 66:2). Lessons in obedience • Immediate obedience matters – A delayed or partial response is still disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22–23). • Obedience protects – Submission to God-ordained order shields us from judgment, as the rest of Numbers 16 vividly proves. • Obedience expresses faith – Trusting God includes trusting His instructions, even when they come through human leaders (John 14:15). • Disobedience influences others – Dathan and Abiram’s stance feeds Korah’s uprising, illustrating how rebellion spreads (1 Corinthians 5:6: “A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.”). Scriptures that echo the point • 1 Peter 5:5 — “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” • Proverbs 15:33 — “The fear of the LORD is wisdom’s instruction, and humility comes before honor.” • Hebrews 5:8 — “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.” • Colossians 3:22 — “Obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.” Takeaway for today Dathan and Abiram’s refusal is a cautionary snapshot: pride rejects God’s call, humility answers it. True disciples listen, submit, and act—trusting that the God who speaks through His Word and His servants always seeks our good and His glory. |
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