Power Struggle
Larry R Evans
Reflective Introduction
If for a moment we think criticism of leadership, insubordination and rebellion are minor offences then we haven’t considered the fate of Korah and Absalom and those who succumbed to their influence nor of the consequences reaped when leaders are critical of other leaders as with Aaron and Miriam when they undermined Moses. This, of course, doesn’t mean leadership shouldn’t be challenged at times. Leaders often need counsel. We will see as we study Numbers 16 and 17 that there is a big difference between questioning a leader’s decisions and undermining his or her influence. Even when reproved for their undermining behavior, God’s chosen people find it difficult to remember lessons from the past. It has been said, “Mistakes are toothless little things if you recognize and correct them. If you ignore or defend them, they grow fangs and bite.” Such was the case for those who didn’t learn from Korah’s rebellion.
Reflective Quiz
1. Being dissatisfied at the recognition one has received has in the past led to corruption, deceit and rebellion. [Numb.16:1-14; 47-51; 6:22-24] True or False?
2. Sin is not only wrong; it can so distort our thinking that we actually believe a lie. [Num.16:12-14] True or False?
3. Apparently Moses was autocratic and did not turn out to be a servant-leader as shown by the accusations of his own people. [Num.16:12-14; Mark 9:33-37] True or False?
4. Memory books and memorials are for old people. [Num.16:36-40; Ex.20:8-11; Matt. 26:13] True or False?
5. While God’s people have made serious mistakes at least they learned from them. [Num. 16:41-50] True or False?
6. Aaron clearly indicated both the seriousness of rebellion as well as the urgency to deal with the rebellion during the aftermath of the judgment that fell upon Korah. [Num.16:47] True or False?
7. When Aaron’s staff budded and produced almonds it shows that repentance had come during the spring time. [Num. 17:1-11] True or False?
8. Leaders, if they are called by God, should not need to be affirmed. [Num. 17:1-5] True or False?
9. Rebellion must be called by its right name if further apostasy is to be averted. [Num.16:8-14, 19-20; 17:39-40] True or False?
Concluding Reflections
The experience of Korah’s rebellion and the subsequent reverberations is not a story of the past, although the past is in it. It is not my story, although I am in it. It is not your story, although you are in it. It is a story that is unfolding every day somewhere on the globe—sometimes in our own backyard if not in our own home. Can we learn from it? Can we see past the mistakes, the short comings of ourselves, of our leaders and of those who follow us, and build on their strengths rather than on their weaknesses? It is humanly impossible. Too often recognition is achieved by being critical rather than by being affirming. The tragedy of Korah’s rebellion need not be repeated. The imperfection of leaders is too obvious at times but the question remains: Is our response given in kind or is our response to the weaknesses of others reflective of the real Leader and His understanding of our own short falls?
Comments
The early rebellion of Korah had a counterpart in the Advent movement with Kellogg who, at one time, employed more people than the General Conference, and there was a struggle over leadership.