Have you ever watched someone make a bad choice and then had to suffer the consequences? Then while walking out those consequences blamed the one that was in authority for being cruel and unfair? This is what most people do to God as they make one bad decision after another and never take responsibility for their part in it.
Consequences are part of the natural process for us humans to learn from our mistakes. If we did not have them there would be no direction or order. God institutes rules and regulations to keep everyone safe because He is just and loving. Consequences are not options, but many people live like they are.
As we journey through the month of Av, we are reminded of how some of the Israelites, (Korah, Dathan and Abiram) suffered consequences of their choices. Rebellion and pride led them to oppose Moses and Aaron who were God’s chosen leaders. Their insecurity drove them to resist their position where God had placed them to serve and they tried to do things their way.
They united against Moses and Aaron and said, “You have gone too far! The whole community of Israel has been set apart by the LORD, and he is with all of us. What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the LORD’s people?”
Numbers 16:3
Moses tried to reason with Korah, but he would not listen. (The month of Av is the month to “consider what you hear and determine how to develop a new level of discernment – or oppose counsel and advice.”)
Then Moses spoke again to Korah: “Now listen, you Levites! Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near him so you can serve in the Lord’s Tabernacle and stand before the people to minister to them? Korah, he has already given this special ministry to you and your fellow Levites. Are you now demanding the priesthood as well? The Lord is the one you and your followers are really revolting against! For who is Aaron that you are complaining about him?” Then Moses summoned Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, but they replied, “We refuse to come before you!
Numbers 16:8
The outcome of their story was tragic. It cost them their lives and the lives of their families as they tried to overthrow the leadership of Moses. History tells us the earth opens and swallows them up and so they perished. It doesn’t have to be this way for us, as we know that the war within can be overthrown by our choice to submit to the voice of the Lord that dwells within us. So let us make an active choice today as to what “voice” we will listen and respond to.
Every young man who listens to me and obeys my instructions will be given wisdom and good sense. Yes, if you want better insight and discernment, and are searching for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure, then wisdom will be given you and knowledge of God himself; you will soon learn the importance of reverence for the Lord and of trusting him.
Proverbs 2:1-5
May He be our heart’s desire and may we search for Him like others search for buried treasure!