Week 38 ~ KORACH (Numbers 16:1-18:32)
THIS IS THE LESSON OF THE TRIFLES OF DISCONTENT
Moses said to Korach, “Listen here, you sons of Levi! Is it for you a mere trifle that the God of Isra’el has separated you from the community of Isra’el to bring you close to himself, so that you can do the work in the tabernacle of ADONAI and stand before the community serving them?” (Numbers 16:8-9 CJB)
This is the Lesson of the Trifles of Discontent. It is our human nature, the old nature of Nefesh, inextricably linked to our flesh, to find reasons to fear or loathe resting in a sovereign God. It is in our human nature, to place ourselves or others like us, on a pedestal or an altar where we affix our gaze, attempting to find rest by controlling the world around us. This is part of our human nature, but it does not have to be our story. As children of the light, we have a choice, moment by moment, to stay in alignment with a sovereign God, gazing upon His beauty.
This is the Lesson of the Trifles of Discontent. When we succumb, like Korach, to the lies of the enemy, propelling visions into a future only the Lord could know, we take Adonai off of the throne of our lives. Climbing up the steep, slippery marble altar, we position ourselves or someone like us there for a better vantage point. After all, if we could only see more clearly, we would not need to rest in Adonai. If we had a better vantage point, we could chart our own course, fight our own battles, and take the best territory for our own kingdoms.
This is the Lesson of the Trifles of Discontent. The eternal attributes of Adonai must never be trifled with! The facets of His glory are weighty and tangible as we walk with Him. This is where His promised REST will be found, as we invite His Divine Presence upon the altar of our hearts and lives. This is the path to deep spiritual contentment, dear seeker, never to be found by trifling with the TRUTH. The Lord God Almighty reigns!
CANDLEGLOW APPLICATION LESSON:
On this Shabbat evening, may we release all discontentment to the Lord, and in faith, anticipate His best for our lives. His best will bring our rest, if we are actively seeking and finding Him able! We can do this by reflecting on His attributes as expressed in His word, and by finding a spirit of contentment in our personal faith walk with Adonai. The process of the renewal of our minds will bring forth a fresh perspective, steeped in His character, not our own! Can we take our eyes off of ourselves, or the present unsavory situation, or the so-called waves of the moment, which toss us here and there; instead to gaze into the beautiful face of the Lord Jesus, who waits for us to look to Him for this sweet Sabbath rest? I hope the reflections in this Parashah, of Kohath and his fellow blamers, will be a motivation to seize this moment at the start of this Sabbath, and relinquish blame, unforgiveness, judgement of others, or regret for our own past mistakes, and simply shift our gaze heavenward where it needs to be, in search of our saving grace! May we elevate and honor (Kabad) the Lord by placing Him on the pedestal of our lives and hearts, where the peace which surpasses all understanding rules and reigns!