In our last installment of the series Why Christ Had to Die, we saw that it was defiance that brought about a swift and final judgment from God. The Lord had just instructed the community of Israel in their observance of the Sabbath, and one lone perpetrator brought upon himself the reckoning of God awaiting any who would despise His words. Previously, God had clearly stated that, “…the one who acts presumptuously from among the native or alien blasphemes against Yahweh.” In other words the command to rest on the Sabbath was known by all in the community, and this man acted in defiance by not resting. Therefore he was judged. And it is this theme of man’s heart that continues throughout history. Like him, we are all defiant. But, as we also see, Christ took man’s punishment and we received His righteousness. Amazing.
This installment continues to examine God’s people—the Israelites—and what we see is once again a continuing pattern. The Bible’s narrative unfolds from a glorious scene in a garden full of color and vibrant life to man defining good and evil for himself; and now, the wickedness of man’s heart is on full display, and the colors on the canvas continue its bland hues.
And so, man’s heart is again exposed…this time it’s from within the tribe chosen by God to serve as His representatives, and their rebellion will face severe consequences…
“Now Korah son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth, the descendants of Reuben, took two hundred and fifty men from the Israelites, leaders of the community summoned from the assembly, renowned men, and they confronted Moses.”
Numbers 16:2
Here, the sons of Levi are coming against their fellow tribesman, Moses, who who also happens to be from the tribe of Levi. Their quarrel and accusation is simple, “You take too much upon yourselves! All of the community is holy, every one of them, and Yahweh is in their midst, so why do you raise yourselves over the assembly of Yahweh?” In other words, “Moses, you’re not the only one who can lead, we want a say in the decisions too. We have just as much authority as you!”
Previously, the sons of Levi were set apart by God to be holy unto Him. They were chosen among all the tribes to serve in the service of the Tabernacle (and Temple upon its completion). Their roles were distinct, and their duties were particular. In fact, it’s clear to see what killed Uzzah, presumption. He wasn’t a Levi, and he was held culpable for standing in that role.
Nevertheless, the tribe of Levi was set apart to be used by God, but they felt entitled to more. No, no, their lot simply wasn’t enough, and they gathered a coup together who had other motivations of their own. Dathan and Abiram had their heart’s set on the fact that they had not yet received “…the inheritance of fields and a vineyard.” They were buddied up with the sons of Levi, Korah, and were raising themselves against Moses, because they felt the land promise of God was too long in coming. They wanted the land of milk and honey…now. Their having to wait was not acceptable.
So, what is their sin? What are they rejecting?
Discontentment and a rejection of God’s anointed. Moses and Aaron were not better, but they were anointed by God. They had their particular roles: Moses as the covenant mediator, and Aaron (and his lineage) as the high priest’s who offer sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. They were in place to serve the community of God’s people, and their role was different, but it was not better. However, this was not acceptable to the others. And so, there had to be a judgment. And judge, God did.
What happens next is a scene from a horror movie…
“The land opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their houses and every person that belonged to Korah and all the property.”
Numbers 16:32
Decimation. Sons of Levi—the people God chose instead of the firstborn—destroyed. Not all, but enough to make God’s point clear. No one supersedes God’s anointed.
And this is yet another reason Why Christ Had to Die.
How Does this Apply to Us Today?
We, like the sons of Korah, the people of Dathan, and Abiram all face discontentment, and as a result have chosen our own way–to define good and evil and judge what’s best for ourselves. At some point, we have all looked at our lot with discontentment and with our selfish ambition pursued our own ends. We have thought we were the captains of our own ship, the masters of our own fate, and the arbitrators of our own destinies. A shift of view needs to occur. Even if you grew up in the church, you still at some point had to recognize the fact that you are not God able to bring your desires about, and you are not able to satisfy all His requirements for holiness and righteousness. And it is here where the application comes to the fore…
You see, how you view Christ is everything. He can’t be just someone remembered around certain holidays and maybe at the end of a prayer. He can’t be just someone who comes to your aid when your facing a trial or hardship.
Who is Christ to you?
Many look at Christ with a warped perspective. Is it possible for a person to see Christ as merely a good person? One who, perhaps, was a revolutionary, and therefore engenders like responses in the modern world? Or, perhaps Christ is just a person of love, never mind the fact that he dealt with sin—in its every form.
However, it is the Christian who has had at some point their view of Christ radically altered…the very heart of their desires changed…and they see Christ as truly God’s anointed, able to satisfy all their longings, be it power, be it possessions, be it pleasure, or be it prestige.
God has sent Jesus as the Anointed One, set apart, and the only One sufficient to meet man’s greatest need—seperation from God. Christ is the only way to know God. There is no other way.
Listen to Christ’s own words…
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
Christ had to die, because like the sons of Korah, like Dathan, like Abiram, our discontentment and perspective of our lot in life needs to change from meeting our needs ultimately and our own ability to meet our needs, to Christ, the anointed One of God. He came so we could have all our needs satisfied in Him. It’s a transfer of trust from ourselves to God. We move from a place of thinking we know what’s best for us to trusting God, walking in faith, and relying on Him working all things together for our good. We trust, we obey, we pray, and we seek to know God’s Anointed through His Word. Glory!