SATURDAY, JULY 28
Scripture: Numbers 16:1-3

In Numbers 16:1-3, Moses is challenged by his leaders among the Israelites. “Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with 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 some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown. They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, ‘You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?’” These men presented a challenge to the holiness, obedience and calling of Moses. This challenge came directly at Moses’ assignment and ministry, and his prayer in verse 15 is interesting. Verse 15 says, “Then Moses was very angry, and said to the Lord, ‘Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, nor have I hurt one of them.’” Moses is indirectly saying, ‘Lord, this challenge to my leadership is a challenge to You. I have not abused them, I have not hurt them. I have not defrauded them.’ Samuel learned the same lesson from God. Samuel was promoted when God struck Eli. Moses needed to see God deal with his enemies. Moses prayed and God moved against his enemies! This pattern consistently unfolds in Scripture. The reason we walk in holiness is for the moments where the enemy will rise up against God’s purposes through us maybe even from our own friends. Wherever it comes from, rest assured that at that moment we want to have perfect confidence that only holiness will produce. Eli didn’t have it and Korah, Dathan and Abiram didn’t either. Peter had it. But Ananias and Sapphira did not. When spiritual conflict arises, those who develop a holiness-lifestyle live, those who do not may even die. One reward of a righteous lifestyle is that in needed moments God hears our voice. This is how we want to live! We want to live in holiness so that we have the assurance our prayers move God’s Hand. Let God arise and His enemies be scattered!