EARTH SWALLOWED HUMAN AND HOUSES

There is punishment for every rebellion. One must not rebel against God and against His anointed because the punishment of rebellion could be very grievous. Some may be given an opportunity to repent and make it right again while some may never get such an opportunity to repent but will end up been consumed by their rebellious act. Korah, Dathan, Abiram and the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense are a good example of those that were destroyed by rebellion.

Numbers 16:[1] "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:

[2] 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:

[3] 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?"

These men accused Moses and Aaron of self-importance, they were not contented with the office where God has called them to serve but wanted Moses' office.

[8] "And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi:

[9] 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?"

These were ministers of God rebelling against the man of God that God has set over them. Being a leader or minister in Church does not make you equal with your pastor.

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The result of their rebellion was a terrible one:

[28] "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.

[29] 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.

[30] 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.

[31] 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:

[32] 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.

[33] 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.

[34] And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also.

[35] And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense".

When some ministers die terrible death, we wonder and imagine different things that could have led to their death. You never can tell. Please let's be very careful with how we deal with the pastors and leaders that God has placed over us.

Prayer
1. Grant me grace to be content with what I have.
2. Dear Lord, remove from me every tendency to rebel against any authority instituted by You.