Thoughts on the readings for April 2nd (Numbers 16, Proverbs 12, Galatians 1, 2)

In Numbers 16 we have recorded the story of Korah's rebellion. Korah was a cousin of Moses and Aaron. He was joined in the revolt by Dathan and Abiram - Reubenites - and another individual called On. On disappears from the story after the initial challenge and may have decided not to proceed further in this revolt. The nation was in a rebellious mood having recently sought to throw off their responsibilities to the divine appointments. The New Testament commentaries on this revolt tell us a great deal. We are told of the character of Korah in the book of Jude. The leaders of the rebels were described as "princes" and as "men of renown" - important people who thought that they were the somebodies who mattered. The rebel's accusation was that Moses and Aaron were making themselves more important than they should have been since the entire congregation was holy. The reverse was in fact the case - Moses and Aaron had been divinely appointed - the rebels were seeking to usurp that authority. Korah, Dathan and Abiram are described as "angels" who sought for higher authority in Jude verse 6. Prominent men, prophets and God's immortal angels are all described by the Hebrew word "Malak" in the Old Testament and by the Greek word "angelos" in the New Testament. Numbers 16 tells of a test being set up to establish who should make up the priesthood. It involved brazen censers containing incense being taken and Yahweh would reveal those who were His. The size of the rebellion is indicated in that 250 false priests were slain by the fire of the LORD on the next day at the same time as the divinely sent earthquake had swallowed Korah, his family and the other fellow rebels. Despite this Korah, Dathan and Abiram remained defiant and accused Moses and Aaron of destroying the LORD's people. The glory of Israel's Sovereign was once again seen as His anger waxes hilt against those rebels. Moses and Aaron showed what wonderful men they were in pleading with God for mercy. Next Moses prophesied that the ground would open up and swallow the rebels. He told the congregation to move away from the camp of the rebels. Most of the people dis so including Korah's sons - they were made the doorkeepers of the Tabernacle. The faithfulness of Korah's sons is seen in many wonderful Psalms which they wrote. The brazen censers of the perished priests were collected and used in the construction of the bronze altar of offerings. Despite the clear demonstration by the Almighty as to who He had chosen and the men who the assembly should respect there was a further accusation the next day that Moses and Aaron had killed "the people of the LORD". God sent His plague in response to these vile lies and a further 14,700 people were slain. Once again the compassion of the LORD's chosen leaders was seen by Moses sending Aaron to save as many as they could by Aaron standing with his censer between the living and the dead. Paul in writing to Timothy commented on the lessons this incident teaches us when he wrote in 2 Timothy 2 verse 19, "God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal; 'The Lord knows who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity'" (ESV). The theme of Proverbs 12 is the importance of discipline in the actions of a wise son. Verses 1-5 outline the wisdom of submission to discipline the shunning of evil, the endeavour to walk uprightly and the invaluable strength and support that comes from a faithful wife. and the challenge of channeling are thoughts on Godly principles. Verses 6-19 concentrate on the benefits of appropriate and wise words. Words will trip up the unwary, or they can liberate the oppressed. Wise words will stand the test of time and when well spoken will gain respect. Don't be deceived by the appearance. The ways of the wise will control every aspect of their lives. They will not lack the necessities - God will provide. By contrast time will also show the folly of the words and ways of the wicked. Humbleness is vital in our walk before the LORD. There's no room for God in the mind of the self opinionated. Maintain self control and let your speech be a blessing, and not a cursing, to the listeners. Verses 20-27 speak of the wise behaviours that the young must try to cultivate - our choices and plans affect our lives; the right choices will in the long term prove to be of the greatest value; choosing divine ways may seem hard, but will prove to be a blessing; giving thought before action and exercising discretion doubly benefits those choosing this path; laziness is destructive and costly; depression may be lessened by the wise advice of a friend. So take great care in choosing your friends and lose no opportunity to show diligence. In Galatians we have one of the earliest books of the New Testament to be written- perhaps as early as AD42 depending upon the theory which adopted. The book must have been written after the Jerusalem' Conference, which was about the date mentioned previously. Galatians is the second of three treatises on the Atonement ie how sinners can be made right with God - the others being Romans and Hebrews. All three books are based on Habakkuk 2:4, "The just shall live by faith". The emphasis in Romans is the JUST...; in Galatians it is ... LIVE by faith; and in Hebrews.. live by FAITH. The problem of Judaism is addressed in this book. The Judaisers, Paul's constant foes, taught salvation was by works of the Law, and not by faith. They preached that Christ and belief in him were insufficient to save - that the keeping of the Law was also necessary in order to be saved. In Galatians 1 Paul establishes his credentials and says how he was called to the gospel. Paul also indicates that a curse would rest on anyone preaching a variant of the only true gospel. The Apostle explains that the gospel message was given him in Arabia by direct revelation ie personally taught it by Jesus Christ - none of the other Apostles were in any way connected with his instruction. Chapter 2 teaches us of the firm stance that Paul took on not circumcising Titus. The chapter also spoke of Peter's equivocation and hypocrisy, when confronted by false brethren called Judaisers. Read verses 15-21 aloud. Pause and ponder. Let each of us determine to live our life in Christ Jesus as the great Apostle did. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-april-2nd-numbers-16-proverbs-12-galatians-1-2/?feed_id=88952&_unique_id=67ea44aa07fb5