Topic: Memorials For Rebels [Friday February 17, 2017]
Text: Numbers 16:36-40
Key Verse: “To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses” (Numbers 16:40).
What do you see when you pass by a cemetery or graveyards of departed men and women? Memorials that remind you of people who have died? God asked Eleazar to mount one right on the altar with the censer “…of these sinners (rebels) against their own souls…”. Graveyards and memorials are also for sign – steering at the living with a message that it might sooner or later be their turn. Similarly, the memorials on the altar Eleazar was asked to mount “…shall be a sign” unto the children of Israel” (verse 38). What kind of sign? Warning signs.
The memorial on the altar is to warn would-be rebels who may want to intrude God’s service or take the honour of God’s messenger or leader of God’s people upon themselves. It was a serious warning “…unto the children of Israel, that no stranger (self-appointed) which is not of the seed of Aaron, came near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company, as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses”. Hear the writer of Hebrews: “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron” (Hebrews 5:4). Heed God’s warning signs and save yourself. Steer clear from self-appointed leaders who despise God-appointed leaders over them.
Do not speak evil of dignities and keep your tongue from hard speeches against God’s anointed and appointed leaders. For God who appointed them keeps watch over them with special watch. He will defend them. Don’t you see the memorials of rebels in some assemblies? Be warned! Remember Korah, Dathan, Abiram and their evil company.
Thought for the day: Fools see no danger where the red light shines.
Bible Reading in one Year: Psalm 92-100
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
