The Saturday Evening Post – He Fell Upon His Face – by Pastor Ted Stahl

Today’s Passage – Numbers 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Acts 22 – 24; Proverbs 21; Psalms 106 – 110)

Read the “0221 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face…” (Numbers 16:1-4)

Good morning. Have you ever been attacked by other Christians, or for that matter, the unsaved? You were just going along fulfilling God’s will when somebody sins, and because sin does not only affect the sinners, but those around them too, something happens to you too. You may have to shift things around because you lost a good worker. You may not be able to see them again because they moved away. Sin affects everybody.

Moses had a problem with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. They assembled two-hundred and fifty princes, famous in the congregation, men of renown: and they gathered themselves against God’s men: Moses and Aaron. What was the final outcome? God was not pleased with their actions…

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children. And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.” (Numbers 16:23-35)

A horrible price to pay for rebellion. But this could have happened to the whole congregation: all of Israel…

“And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?” (Numbers 16:20-22)

What did Moses and Aaron do? They fell on their faces, and asked God to forgive the congregation. God would later tell King Saul, through the prophet Samuel…

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft…” (1Samuel 15:23)

It commanded in Exodus 22:18, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”

What did Jesus say to do?

“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Jesus tells us…

1) Love your enemies. You only have one enemy: the devil. He is the slug that infests and destroys the world that God created. Others may appear to be like enemies, but the real enemy is the devil.

2) Do good to them which hate you. They hate you because they are not like you: they don’t have Jesus. The best ‘good’ you could do for them which hate you is to give them Jesus.

3) Bless them that curse you. That curse was put there in their mouth by the devil, so be a blessing to them. If they need help, help them. Show them Jesus in action.

4) Pray for them which dispitefully use you. Dispitefully use means to insult, slander, or falsely accuse. Pray for these people. Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before God, begging His mercy on the congregation. Should the congregation have to pay for one man’s sin? No, but this sin of Korah’s took out three families, and two-hundred and fifty princes. Remember Jesus on the cross…

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:34)

Peace!


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Korah’s Rebellion: When Discontent Destroys the Church

Listen to today’s passage – Numbers 16 – 18 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Numbers 16 

Second Milers also read – Acts 22 – 24; Proverbs 21; Psalms 106 – 110

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 121

Read the “0221 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today by Charles Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from this passage – “Standing Between the Living and the Dead,” and “A Tithe of a Tithe”

“Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?” – (Numbers 16:9)

“And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.” – (Numbers 16:31-33)

In chapter 16, we see a group within the congregation of the children of Israel who were rebelling against the God-ordained leadership of Moses. One of the leaders of this insurrection was Korah, who was a Kohathite. The Kohathites were part of the tribe of Levi, but their specific responsibility involved transporting the ark and the other pieces of furniture and instruments that were used in the service of the Tabernacle. They were not priests, but they were servants for the Lord in the Tabernacle.

In verse 9, Moses rebukes Korah for not being content with the job that the Lord had given him. Korah wanted more. He wanted to grab some of the glory that he saw Moses and Aaron getting. It reminds us of Lucifer, who was not content guarding the holiness of God. He wanted more too; he wanted to be like the “most High” (see Isaiah 14:12-14). This rebellion resulted in the death of Korah, along with the other men involved and their families. Further, many more people from the congregation perished the next day after they complained about the death of Korah.

You would think that Moses would have been very happy that God was removing all these “nelly naysayers” from the congregation. However, in Numbers 16:41-50, we see him interceding to God for these folks. Verse 48 tells us that Moses “stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.” A true spiritual leader will have a broken heart for the people within his congregation that are rebelling against his leadership.

We see this same type of behavior today in our local churches. God puts in place leadership for the congregation, but there will always be some Korahs within the congregation who will become disgruntled and some will even attempt to gain control. The process usually begins with murmuring and complaining about the job that the pastor and other leaders are doing. They will often grab the ears of other disgruntled people and try to bring them in with them. Before you know it, there is a group of people within the congregation who are gaining power, working against what the leadership is trying to do. It won’t be long before it comes to a head. Somebody will have to go. Sometimes it’s the pastor. Sometimes it will be the Korahs of the congregation; but when he leaves, he usually pulls a bunch of people out with him.

While legitimate concerns should be raised respectfully and through proper channels, chronic murmuring that undermines God’s appointed leadership often reveals a heart issue.

God has set up the leadership structure in our churches today and we can usually trust the process. He calls a man to a ministry. That calling is then confirmed by a vote of the congregation. The congregation still has the power to remove the pastor and other leaders if there are serious enough issues. But usually, unless there is something immoral, heretical, or seriously unethical, the congregation should rally behind the pastor and leaders, pray for them, and work with them as they lead the congregation in the fulfillment of the Great Commission.

At Jersey Shore Baptist Church, the senior pastor and deacons are voted on by the congregation. All other leaders are appointed or at least approved by the senior pastor. Other churches may have elders or assistant pastors that are voted on by the congregation. Ultimately, the congregation and God have the final authority.

Don’t be a Korah. Support your pastor and the other leaders that God has placed within your church. Work with them. Help them as they try to win souls and disciple new converts. Pray for them and their families. Love them by making sure their needs are met. You may not appreciate or agree with every decision they make, and you may have some concerns about the ministry direction they are going, but you can still be patient and offer your support for their leadership. And, in the case that you absolutely cannot cheerfully support the leadership within your church, find a church where you can, but carefully and prayerfully consider also that the problem may very well be you.

Notice the three admonitions given in the Letter to the Hebrews regarding spiritual leadership:

“7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. … 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. … 24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.” (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24)

A Note to Pastors and Spiritual Leaders

An additional note should be made here regarding leadership. Moses was not a dictator. He was the appointed representative of God who directed him personally – face to face. Leaders today are not dictators either. They are appointed to follow the principles of Scriptures and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They are to be servant leaders who model what they are directing their congregations to do. Peter summed up spiritual leadership. He stated:

“1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Pet 5:1–4)

Paul also gave qualifications for leadership in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, and he expressed his heart regarding leadership when addressing the elders from Ephesus:

“28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” (Acts 20:28–29)


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Speaking Against God’s Servant: The Danger of Jealousy in the Family of Faith (Numbers 12)

Listen to today’s passage – Numbers 11 – 13 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Numbers 11

Second Milers also read – Acts 16 – 18; Proverbs 19; Psalms 96 – 100

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 92:1 – 4

Read the “0219 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today by Charles Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from today’s passage – “We Could Use Some More Spirit-Filled Preachers,“ and “When the People Complained“

As we’ve discussed in previous blogposts, the wilderness journey of Israel was marked by a persistent undercurrent of murmuring. In today’s reading, we have seen complaints that began with the people’s dissatisfaction over food (Numbers 11), escalated as family members challenged the leadership of Moses (Numbers 12 – the focus of this devotion), and finally culminated in national unbelief and rebellion at the edge of the Promised Land (Numbers 13). These chapters reveal how grumbling, when left unchecked, erodes faith in God and His miraculous provision and protection.

In Numbers 12, the grumbling hits close to home: it comes from Miriam and Aaron, Moses’ own sister and brother—respected leaders in their own right. Miriam, the prophetess who once led Israel in a triumphant song after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20–21), and Aaron, the high priest, speak out against their brother Moses, but what was worse was they were speaking out against the leader of God’s people:

“1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. … 9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed. 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.” (Num 12:1–2, 9–10)

The Complaint and Its Deeper Root (vv. 1–3) The text opens: “Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married” (v. 1). This likely refers to Zipporah (or possibly a second wife), from Cush (modern-day Ethiopia or Sudan), making her probably a darker-skinned outsider to the Israelites. But the surface issue quickly gives way to the real heart problem: “Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us?” (v. 2).

Jealousy over Moses’ God-ordained authority surfaces. They question not just his marriage but his singular role as God’s chosen leader. Moses, described as “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (v. 3), does not defend himself. He remains silent—leaving the defense to God.

God’s Direct Defense and Rebuke (vv. 4–9) God summons the three siblings to the Tabernacle. In a pillar of cloud, He affirms Moses’ unparalleled relationship with Him: “With him I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold” (v. 8). Other prophets receive visions and dreams, but Moses spoke with God face to face.

“Wherefore then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (v. 8). God’s anger burns against both Miriam and Aaron, though the consequence falls differently. The Lord departs, and the rebuke stands: challenging God’s chosen leader is ultimately challenging God Himself.

The Consequence and Mercy (vv. 10–16) As the cloud lifts, Miriam stands leprous, “white as snow“—a visible, isolating affliction that turns her skin deathly pale. Aaron, turning to look, sees it first and immediately pleads with Moses: “Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned” (v. 11). He begs that she not be like a stillborn child, flesh half-consumed (v. 12).

Moses, ever the intercessor, cries out simply: “Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee” (v. 13). God responds with measured mercy: If a father had spit in her face in public shame, she would bear it seven days. So let her be shut out of the camp seven days, then restored (v. 14). The people wait for her—no journey until Miriam returns (v. 15). Restoration follows shame.

Why Miriam and Not Aaron? The Bible doesn’t state an explicit reason, but the text and context offer insight:

  • Miriam appears as the primary instigator. The Hebrew verb (dāḇar) in verse 1 is 3rd person feminine singular (“she spoke”), suggesting she led in the complaint, with Aaron joining or following. Her prophetic role and bold personality (seen in Exodus 15) may have made her words more influential and accountable.
  • Aaron shows immediate repentance and intercession (vv. 11–12), aligning with his priestly calling to mediate.
  • Striking the high priest with leprosy would have defiled him, halting sacrifices and disrupting Israel’s worship system at a critical time. God preserves the priesthood’s function.
  • The punishment serves as a public warning: leprosy isolates and visibly marks sin, teaching Israel not to challenge God’s choices in leadership or marriage. Ironically, Miriam’s skin turns “white” after objecting to a dark-skinned wife—highlighting the folly of prejudice.

Both face God’s anger (v. 9), but the consequences are different—showing God’s chastisement is tailored, not arbitrary, always with mercy in view.

Devotional Takeaways for Today

  • Jealousy poisons even close relationships. Family or ministry envy can disguise itself as concern (“Hasn’t God spoken through us too?”). It questions God’s wisdom in how He distributes gifts, roles, or blessings. Guard your heart against comparison (Galatians 6:4–5; 2 Cor 10:12).

“4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Gal 6:4–5)

“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” (2 Cor 10:12)

  • God defends His own. Moses didn’t need to retaliate; God stepped in decisively. When we face unfair criticism—especially for following God’s call—trust Him to vindicate (Romans 12:19).

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Rom 12:19)

  • Humility and intercession triumph. Moses’ meekness and quick prayer model Christlike response. Aaron’s repentance shows that turning back opens the door to mercy.
  • God’s discipline aims at restoration. Seven days of shame for Miriam led to healing and return. Discipline isn’t final rejection but loving correction (Hebrews 12:5–11).

“5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” (Heb 12:5–11)

Is there an area where envy or comparison is tempting you to murmur against God’s appointed order in your life, church, or family? How can you replace it with gratitude and prayer today?


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Stop Murmuring!

Listen to today’s passage – Exodus 13 – 15

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Exodus 13

Second Milers also read – Luke 3 – 4; Proverbs 24; Psalms 116 – 120

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Isaiah 51:11

Read the “0124 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by Charles Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from today’s passage – “Moving Forward,” and “He Brought Us This Far.”

“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.” – (Exodus 15:1)

“And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?” – (Exodus 15:24)

From Praising to Complaining

Exodus 15 is an amazing chapter of Scripture which demonstrates the fickle nature of God’s children. The first 21 verses, which comprises more than three-fourths of the chapter, is the record of God’s people singing, dancing, and praising Him for the great miracle that He had done in delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians. Specifically, they are praising God and thanking Him for parting the Red Sea so that they could pass through on dry ground. You will recall that the Egyptians tried to follow them and that same sea closed upon them and drowned them. The people of God were thrilled that God took away the water so that they could travel to the other side. Now at the end of the chapter, they are complaining that there is no water. First, they wanted the water to go away, and then they wanted it back again. You just can’t make these Israelites happy, can you? I am kidding, of course; but I do want to point out the tendency that Israel had (and we have today) to forget about all of God’s past blessings by griping about some apparent injustice that they felt to be taking place in the present. Here, they think that God delivered them from Egypt only to kill them with dehydration in the wilderness. Absurd! That big God that they were worshipping in the beginning of the chapter suddenly became smaller when the people got a little thirsty.

God’s Character Does Not Change

God’s people are no different today. We sometimes see God do wonderful things in our lives, and from that mountaintop we offer up to Him praise and worship. But then when God allows a little testing to come our way, our attitude changes completely. Our view of God seems to be based solely upon what He does for us recently. When we are getting popcorn, bubble gum, and ice cream, God is good; but when God says that we should eat a little broccoli because it’s what we need at the time, God becomes some mean ogre. We act like little children in the nursery, don’t we? Let’s grow up! Let’s mature in our faith to the point where we trust God completely. God is good when the circumstances in life are great; but God is also good when things are not going as we would like them to.

Choose Gratitude Over Griping

God is always good. He loves us. He said that He will never leave us and never forsake us. He has our very best interests at heart. Trust Him even when you don’t understand; and whatever you do, don’t gripe. Griping is one of the most frequent triggers of divine judgment in the Old Testament. I am not saying that you should not bring your concerns and burdens to Him. There is a big difference between a prayer request and a complaint. Let’s get to the point in our Christian walk where we can praise Him even in the dark days. Remember, there are others out there that have it worse than you. God is not just good, He is awesome. Learn to wait on Him. He will deliver you if you simply trust Him, obey, and be patient.

Be a Problem Solver

Look, we are all good at spotting problems, but instead of murmuring, why don’t we try becoming part of a solution. We can pray and we can work to make the situation better. Anybody can complain, and they often do; but it takes a person of true character to make a difference.

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:” – (Philippians 2:14)

Questions for Reflection

We all are guilty at times of viewing life pessimistically through the lens of a half-empty cup, but when your negative spirit brings you to the point of opening your mouth and discouraging others, you are sinning against God.

  • When has God done something amazing in your life, only for you to complain shortly afterward?

  • What’s one situation right now where you could choose praise instead of murmuring?

Today, let’s commit to catching ourselves before we murmur and turning it into praise.


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