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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise No sooner had you condemned the Exodus generation to die in the wilderness (Num 14:28–35) than you gave Moses laws for the next generation: “When you enter the land where you are to live…” (Num 15:2, 18). The fact that you were willing to continue as Israel’s Lawgiver and accept the people’s sacrificial gifts shows that your mercy and justice are beautifully balanced. I praise you today, for you are a God of grace and hope for the future. Today in Your Word Today you told me how Korah coveted the priesthood and incited a rebellion to take it from Aaron. Korah was able to convince the people to join him in defiance of Moses (Num 16:19). How right you were when you called them a “wicked congregation” (Num 14:27)! Even after the earth split open and swallowed Korah’s assembly alive, they were back the very next day grumbling and accusing Moses of having killed “the people of the Lord” (Num 16:41). From the beginning you identified this as an assault, not on Moses’ authority, but on you and your leadership (Num 16:11). This means that when I reject the one you have placed in authority over me, I am really rejecting you. How ironic that Aaron, the object of Korah’s jealousy, was the one who ran into the midst of that wicked assembly and “stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped” (Num 16:47–48). Those in spiritual authority over me have been put there by you to watch for my soul. This means that I should obey them and submit to their authority (Heb 13:17). Reflection I have never experienced a blast of fire or a plague for my own wrong-doing, but that doesn’t mean that your attitude toward sin has changed. Do I think lightly of your patience and mercy, not recognizing that your kindness is meant to lead me to repentance? (Rom 2:4). Request Father, give me a godly sorrow, “for godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death” (2 Cor 7:10; cf. Num 16:41). Thanksgiving Thank you for my spiritual leaders—those who have spoken your Word to me. I purpose to “consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “God’s Way Is Best” by Charles W. Naylor. Meditation Verse: Numbers 15:38–40.