Korach
I've started reading through the weekly Torah readings. This week's reading is from Numbers (Bamidbar "In the desert"). The portion is called "Korach." It's named after a person who appears in this passage.
I'm beginning to see Korach (Numbers 16) through new eyes. I think my sinful heart shares a lot in common with Korach as well as Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10). Like them, I've desired to take up the holy things and serve God myself without regard for His Way. "Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself... And are you seeking the priesthood also? Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the Lord..." Number 16:9-11 It reminds me of how the religious leaders in Jesus' day sought to serve the Lord, yet Jesus said to them, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs...you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." Matthew 23:27-28
I've also been reading Isaiah, since it's been a long time since I read the major prophets. We learned a lot from Psalm 68 last weekend, too.
I'm beginning to see Korach (Numbers 16) through new eyes. I think my sinful heart shares a lot in common with Korach as well as Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10). Like them, I've desired to take up the holy things and serve God myself without regard for His Way. "Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself... And are you seeking the priesthood also? Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the Lord..." Number 16:9-11 It reminds me of how the religious leaders in Jesus' day sought to serve the Lord, yet Jesus said to them, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs...you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." Matthew 23:27-28
I've also been reading Isaiah, since it's been a long time since I read the major prophets. We learned a lot from Psalm 68 last weekend, too.