Introductory Thoughts
As Moses led Israel out of Egypt and on their journey toward the land of promise, he faced almost constant opposition. Numbers chapter 16 chronicles one such instance in great detail. Korah openly questioned and opposed Moses’ leadership forcing him to bring the matter before God. The Lord said He would answer this challenge directly and reveal His choice between Moses and Korah. Not only did God choose Moses, but He also indicated that Korah would be judged by the earth opening up and swallowing him alive. Before the arrival of God’s judgment, the people were instructed to choose by separating from Korah. Judgment fell as the earth opened up, swallowing alive those who followed Korah along with all their possessions. The earth simply closed back up. Interestingly, a brief Bible study (for instance, Psalm 88) reveals that the sons of Korah chose to obey God by separating from their father. Several subtitles in the book of Psalms like that found in Psalm 88 indicate these sons followed God and His servant and survived God’s judgment.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Unfortunately, some children have parents that do not love God. These parents ask their children to lie or steal for them. They even may make fun of them for going to church. What should the children do if they love God and truly want to serve Him?
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(For everyone): Do you think it was easy for the sons of Korah to walk away from their father and stand against what was wrong? What thoughts might have crossed their minds as they made this choice between their father and God?
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What kind of choices might you one day be forced to make similar to the choice of the sons of Korah? Could you trust God enough to make such a difficult choice?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you choose right despite the cost or opposition.
- Pray that God will give you faith to trust Him and especially during difficult times and trials.
Song
WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE?
