The Cure for Our Rebellion - Eric Geiger | Mariners Church

Welcome to Mariners Church. I'm so glad Welcome to Mariners Church. I'm so glad that you are with us today. I want to that you are with us today. I want to that you are with us today. I want to welcome those watching online. I want to welcome those watching online. I want to welcome those watching online. I want to welcome those who are with a group of welcome those who are with a group of welcome those who are with a group of people for Mariners hosted here. If you people for Mariners hosted here. If you people for Mariners hosted here. If you have a minute, my name is Eric. I'm the have a minute, my name is Eric. I'm the have a minute, my name is Eric. I'm the senior pastor here at Mariners. And I senior pastor here at Mariners. And I senior pastor here at Mariners. And I want to celebrate two things before I want to celebrate two things before I want to celebrate two things before I jump into our study. First, last week jump into our study. First, last week jump into our study. First, last week across all of our congregations across all of our congregations across all of our congregations including Mariners online was really including Mariners online was really including Mariners online was really special. We had a rooted celebration and special. We had a rooted celebration and special. We had a rooted celebration and many of you took rooted online with a many of you took rooted online with a many of you took rooted online with a rooted group and then at the celebration rooted group and then at the celebration rooted group and then at the celebration we invited people to place their faith we invited people to place their faith we invited people to place their faith in Jesus and 173 people last week in Jesus and 173 people last week in Jesus and 173 people last week confessed faith in Christ. So beautiful. confessed faith in Christ. So beautiful. confessed faith in Christ. So beautiful. And then we had baptisms as well. We had And then we had baptisms as well. We had And then we had baptisms as well. We had saw 270 people get baptized across all saw 270 people get baptized across all saw 270 people get baptized across all our congregations throughout Southern our congregations throughout Southern our congregations throughout Southern California. So last weekend was a major California. So last weekend was a major California. So last weekend was a major celebration. I'm really thankful for you celebration. I'm really thankful for you celebration. I'm really thankful for you who are generous to your church. It's who are generous to your church. It's who are generous to your church. It's through your generosity that all of through your generosity that all of through your generosity that all of these great things from a human these great things from a human these great things from a human perspective are happening because God perspective are happening because God perspective are happening because God uses your generosity to build his his uses your generosity to build his his uses your generosity to build his his church and so thank you for being a church and so thank you for being a church and so thank you for being a part. And I also want to say happy part. And I also want to say happy part. And I also want to say happy Father's Day to all the dads. I am so Father's Day to all the dads. I am so Father's Day to all the dads. I am so proud of you men for being a man who proud of you men for being a man who proud of you men for being a man who follows after God because following follows after God because following follows after God because following after him you then are the kind of man after him you then are the kind of man after him you then are the kind of man that causes your family to flourish, that causes your family to flourish, that causes your family to flourish, that your business, your place where you that your business, your place where you that your business, your place where you work, that other people are blessed work, that other people are blessed work, that other people are blessed because you are a man who is being because you are a man who is being because you are a man who is being formed into the image of Jesus, becoming formed into the image of Jesus, becoming formed into the image of Jesus, becoming more and more like him. And I know that more and more like him. And I know that more and more like him. And I know that you know the best way for me to honor you know the best way for me to honor you know the best way for me to honor you as a dad, as a father this weekend you as a dad, as a father this weekend you as a dad, as a father this weekend is to teach the scripture to you because is to teach the scripture to you because is to teach the scripture to you because that's how we grow as men by throwing that's how we grow as men by throwing that's how we grow as men by throwing ourselves into the word. Now that's not

ourselves into the word. Now that's not ourselves into the word. Now that's not not true for dads and for men, but for not true for dads and for men, but for not true for dads and for men, but for all of us and so we're going to continue all of us and so we're going to continue all of us and so we're going to continue in our teaching series this weekend in in our teaching series this weekend in in our teaching series this weekend in the book of Numbers. the book of Numbers. the book of Numbers. For many years I was the young leader. For many years I was the young leader. For many years I was the young leader. And then I'm not the young leader And then I'm not the young leader And then I'm not the young leader anymore. You know, you're young and then anymore. You know, you're young and then anymore. You know, you're young and then all of a sudden you're not the young all of a sudden you're not the young all of a sudden you're not the young leader anymore. And in the middle I leader anymore. And in the middle I leader anymore. And in the middle I started when millennials entered the started when millennials entered the started when millennials entered the workforce I was one who believed in the workforce I was one who believed in the workforce I was one who believed in the next generation because people have next generation because people have next generation because people have always been believed in me or they gave always been believed in me or they gave always been believed in me or they gave me a shot when I was a young leader and me a shot when I was a young leader and me a shot when I was a young leader and so I gave many others a shot and so I gave many others a shot and so I gave many others a shot and invested in millennials at both in invested in millennials at both in invested in millennials at both in ministry and in the marketplace. And ministry and in the marketplace. And ministry and in the marketplace. And then I noticed as I would get close to then I noticed as I would get close to then I noticed as I would get close to that generation, the generation right that generation, the generation right that generation, the generation right beneath me, I'm I'm Gen X, that they beneath me, I'm I'm Gen X, that they beneath me, I'm I'm Gen X, that they would sometimes make fun of me in a would sometimes make fun of me in a would sometimes make fun of me in a loving way, but when they got loving way, but when they got loving way, but when they got comfortable around me, they would poke comfortable around me, they would poke comfortable around me, they would poke fun at at things that millennials would fun at at things that millennials would fun at at things that millennials would poke fun at Gen X for. They would say poke fun at Gen X for. They would say poke fun at Gen X for. They would say our jeans were too baggy or that we our jeans were too baggy or that we our jeans were too baggy or that we overemphasized how tough we were because overemphasized how tough we were because overemphasized how tough we were because we rode in the back of a station wagon we rode in the back of a station wagon we rode in the back of a station wagon without a seatbelt. Um they they would without a seatbelt. Um they they would without a seatbelt. Um they they would make fun of me when I would call and make fun of me when I would call and make fun of me when I would call and leave a voicemail like that was breaking leave a voicemail like that was breaking leave a voicemail like that was breaking some kind of cardinal rule like you some kind of cardinal rule like you some kind of cardinal rule like you should never leave a voicemail at all.

should never leave a voicemail at all. should never leave a voicemail at all. And so millennials would kind of make And so millennials would kind of make And so millennials would kind of make fun of me and other leaders in my fun of me and other leaders in my fun of me and other leaders in my generation. And then in recent years, generation. And then in recent years, generation. And then in recent years, it's been fascinating and a little bit it's been fascinating and a little bit it's been fascinating and a little bit enjoyable to watch Gen Z enter into the enjoyable to watch Gen Z enter into the enjoyable to watch Gen Z enter into the workforce and Gen Z start to poke fun at workforce and Gen Z start to poke fun at workforce and Gen Z start to poke fun at millennials. It's like the cool kids who millennials. It's like the cool kids who millennials. It's like the cool kids who made fun of me getting made fun of is made fun of me getting made fun of is made fun of me getting made fun of is really fascinating to see that that Gen really fascinating to see that that Gen really fascinating to see that that Gen Z will then make fun of millennials for Z will then make fun of millennials for Z will then make fun of millennials for how tight their pants are. I was made how tight their pants are. I was made how tight their pants are. I was made fun of my pants for too baggy. Gen Z fun of my pants for too baggy. Gen Z fun of my pants for too baggy. Gen Z makes fun of millennials for for having makes fun of millennials for for having makes fun of millennials for for having too tight of pants, which I kind of too tight of pants, which I kind of too tight of pants, which I kind of agree with to be honest with you, if agree with to be honest with you, if agree with to be honest with you, if you're a dude you can't put your wallet you're a dude you can't put your wallet you're a dude you can't put your wallet in your back pocket then your pants are in your back pocket then your pants are in your back pocket then your pants are too tight. They would make fun of them too tight. They would make fun of them too tight. They would make fun of them for some of the language that they would for some of the language that they would for some of the language that they would use like adulting and iconic, lol. I use like adulting and iconic, lol. I use like adulting and iconic, lol. I mean terms like that that Gen Z would mean terms like that that Gen Z would mean terms like that that Gen Z would would call millennials uncs and so it's would call millennials uncs and so it's would call millennials uncs and so it's not a good term. It means like uncle not a good term. It means like uncle not a good term. It means like uncle like you're too old. And it's just been like you're too old. And it's just been like you're too old. And it's just been fascinating to watch. Now sociologists fascinating to watch. Now sociologists fascinating to watch. Now sociologists say that is very normal that every say that is very normal that every say that is very normal that every generation rebels a bit against the generation rebels a bit against the generation rebels a bit against the generation before them. That there's generation before them. That there's generation before them. That there's something inside of us that wants to something inside of us that wants to something inside of us that wants to rebel.

rebel. rebel. We actually root for rebels. I've seen We actually root for rebels. I've seen We actually root for rebels. I've seen this in my own life when I will watch a this in my own life when I will watch a this in my own life when I will watch a movie or a television show. I can I can movie or a television show. I can I can movie or a television show. I can I can start rooting for the bad guys. When the start rooting for the bad guys. When the start rooting for the bad guys. When the the the show Prison Break came out came the the show Prison Break came out came the the show Prison Break came out came my wife for one Father's Day got me like my wife for one Father's Day got me like my wife for one Father's Day got me like a massive DVD set of Prison Break and we a massive DVD set of Prison Break and we a massive DVD set of Prison Break and we would binge watch it and I found myself would binge watch it and I found myself would binge watch it and I found myself rooting for the people to break out of rooting for the people to break out of rooting for the people to break out of prison. Now, some of them were wrongly prison. Now, some of them were wrongly prison. Now, some of them were wrongly there but not all of them were wrongly there but not all of them were wrongly there but not all of them were wrongly there and I was rooting for all of them there and I was rooting for all of them there and I was rooting for all of them to get out of prison. Rooting for the to get out of prison. Rooting for the to get out of prison. Rooting for the mafia family in a mafia show. Rooting mafia family in a mafia show. Rooting mafia family in a mafia show. Rooting for Billy Kid in a western. Rooting for for Billy Kid in a western. Rooting for for Billy Kid in a western. Rooting for the bad guys, for the rebels. What's in the bad guys, for the rebels. What's in the bad guys, for the rebels. What's in us that is attracted to the rebel a bit. us that is attracted to the rebel a bit. us that is attracted to the rebel a bit. And I've noticed this even spills out in And I've noticed this even spills out in And I've noticed this even spills out in real life, not just movies and shows. real life, not just movies and shows. real life, not just movies and shows. May of last year, 10 inmates escaped May of last year, 10 inmates escaped May of last year, 10 inmates escaped from a prison in New Orleans where I from a prison in New Orleans where I from a prison in New Orleans where I grew up and they escaped through a a grew up and they escaped through a a grew up and they escaped through a a wall where they had taken a toilet out wall where they had taken a toilet out wall where they had taken a toilet out and they wrote on the wall as they were and they wrote on the wall as they were and they wrote on the wall as they were escaping, "This was too easy. LOL." escaping, "This was too easy. LOL." escaping, "This was too easy. LOL." Essentially, they were evidently Essentially, they were evidently Essentially, they were evidently millennial inmates. And so, they escaped millennial inmates. And so, they escaped millennial inmates. And so, they escaped through the hole in the wall and they through the hole in the wall and they through the hole in the wall and they were on the run. I found myself I I were on the run. I found myself I I were on the run. I found myself I I maybe I shouldn't confess this rooting maybe I shouldn't confess this rooting maybe I shouldn't confess this rooting for them. Just wondering, will they be for them. Just wondering, will they be for them. Just wondering, will they be able to escape? Will they be able to get able to escape? Will they be able to get able to escape? Will they be able to get a new identity? Will they be Will they a new identity? Will they be Will they a new identity? Will they be Will they get a fresh start? Everybody wants a get a fresh start? Everybody wants a get a fresh start? Everybody wants a fresh start. I hope that they get a fresh start. I hope that they get a fresh start. I hope that they get a fresh start. And then I started watching fresh start. And then I started watching fresh start. And then I started watching them online like seeing where they were, them online like seeing where they were, them online like seeing where they were, how many were getting captured, if they how many were getting captured, if they how many were getting captured, if they were still out um if they had not yet were still out um if they had not yet were still out um if they had not yet been arrested again.

been arrested again. been arrested again. And I realized that the people I were And I realized that the people I were And I realized that the people I were rooting for are people who should not be rooting for are people who should not be rooting for are people who should not be out on the streets. Murderers and out on the streets. Murderers and out on the streets. Murderers and attempted murderers. Like, what is wrong attempted murderers. Like, what is wrong attempted murderers. Like, what is wrong with me that I'm rooting for these with me that I'm rooting for these with me that I'm rooting for these rebels? The reality is for all of us rebels? The reality is for all of us rebels? The reality is for all of us there is something inside of us that is there is something inside of us that is there is something inside of us that is going to rebel. going to rebel. going to rebel. And I'm going to challenge you this And I'm going to challenge you this And I'm going to challenge you this weekend in this teaching to rebel in the weekend in this teaching to rebel in the weekend in this teaching to rebel in the right direction. right direction. right direction. If it's true, and I believe that it is, If it's true, and I believe that it is, If it's true, and I believe that it is, that all of us worship something or that all of us worship something or that all of us worship something or someone, that we give our affection to someone, that we give our affection to someone, that we give our affection to something or someone. If all of us are something or someone. If all of us are something or someone. If all of us are worshippers, that means then we're also worshippers, that means then we're also worshippers, that means then we're also all of us are rebels. all of us are rebels. all of us are rebels. What we worship, we will then rebel in What we worship, we will then rebel in What we worship, we will then rebel in the opposite direction. We will rebel the opposite direction. We will rebel the opposite direction. We will rebel against the opposite thing of what it is against the opposite thing of what it is against the opposite thing of what it is that we worship. So, I'm going to that we worship. So, I'm going to that we worship. So, I'm going to challenge you to take this rebellion challenge you to take this rebellion challenge you to take this rebellion that all of us have within us and that all of us have within us and that all of us have within us and channel it in the right direction. We're channel it in the right direction. We're channel it in the right direction. We're going to look at a famous rebellion in going to look at a famous rebellion in going to look at a famous rebellion in scripture today in the book of Numbers. scripture today in the book of Numbers. scripture today in the book of Numbers. We've been walking through this We've been walking through this We've been walking through this incredible book in the Bible, the book incredible book in the Bible, the book incredible book in the Bible, the book of Numbers. This is God's people in the of Numbers. This is God's people in the of Numbers. This is God's people in the wilderness for 40 years. They have been wilderness for 40 years. They have been wilderness for 40 years. They have been rescued from Egyptian slavery, that's rescued from Egyptian slavery, that's rescued from Egyptian slavery, that's the book of Exodus. They're going to go the book of Exodus. They're going to go the book of Exodus. They're going to go into the promised land that God has for into the promised land that God has for into the promised land that God has for them, that's the book of Joshua. In them, that's the book of Joshua. In them, that's the book of Joshua. In between is the book of Numbers. They're between is the book of Numbers. They're between is the book of Numbers. They're in the wilderness. We saw last week that in the wilderness. We saw last week that in the wilderness. We saw last week that God told the first generation that were God told the first generation that were God told the first generation that were in the wilderness because you constantly in the wilderness because you constantly in the wilderness because you constantly complain and grumble and you keep complain and grumble and you keep complain and grumble and you keep telling me you don't want me and you telling me you don't want me and you telling me you don't want me and you wish you were back in slavery, then wish you were back in slavery, then wish you were back in slavery, then fine. You're not going to enter into the fine. You're not going to enter into the fine. You're not going to enter into the promised land. The whole first promised land. The whole first promised land. The whole first generation, except for Joshua and Caleb,

generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, they're all going to die in the they're all going to die in the they're all going to die in the wilderness. And we'll see as we continue wilderness. And we'll see as we continue wilderness. And we'll see as we continue through the book of Numbers that the through the book of Numbers that the through the book of Numbers that the second generation will go into the land. second generation will go into the land. second generation will go into the land. So, that's what we saw last week. We you So, that's what we saw last week. We you So, that's what we saw last week. We you would think at this point that the would think at this point that the would think at this point that the people have learned to stop rebelling people have learned to stop rebelling people have learned to stop rebelling and grumbling and complaining against and grumbling and complaining against and grumbling and complaining against God, but they haven't. We're going to be God, but they haven't. We're going to be God, but they haven't. We're going to be in Numbers chapter 16 today. This is in Numbers chapter 16 today. This is in Numbers chapter 16 today. This is such an important account for you to such an important account for you to such an important account for you to know as a Christian. If you're a know as a Christian. If you're a know as a Christian. If you're a follower of Jesus, you should know this follower of Jesus, you should know this follower of Jesus, you should know this text because the half brother of Jesus, text because the half brother of Jesus, text because the half brother of Jesus, Jude, in the New Testament, after Jesus Jude, in the New Testament, after Jesus Jude, in the New Testament, after Jesus comes here for us, he writes a book in comes here for us, he writes a book in comes here for us, he writes a book in the Bible, the book of Jude. And in the the Bible, the book of Jude. And in the the Bible, the book of Jude. And in the book of Jude, he talks about this right book of Jude, he talks about this right book of Jude, he talks about this right here. So, he uses the the brother of here. So, he uses the the brother of here. So, he uses the the brother of Jesus uses this account in scripture to Jesus uses this account in scripture to Jesus uses this account in scripture to challenge us to be careful about which challenge us to be careful about which challenge us to be careful about which direction we rebel in. That there's direction we rebel in. That there's direction we rebel in. That there's rebellion in us, let's be sure we rebel rebellion in us, let's be sure we rebel rebellion in us, let's be sure we rebel in the right direction. So, this is a in the right direction. So, this is a in the right direction. So, this is a famous rebellion that the brother of famous rebellion that the brother of famous rebellion that the brother of Jesus references in the scripture, but Jesus references in the scripture, but Jesus references in the scripture, but let's see the initial account. This is let's see the initial account. This is let's see the initial account. This is Numbers chapter 16 verse 1. Now, Korah, Numbers chapter 16 verse 1. Now, Korah, Numbers chapter 16 verse 1. Now, Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi with Dathan and Abiram, son of Eliab and with Dathan and Abiram, son of Eliab and with Dathan and Abiram, son of Eliab and On, son of Peleth, sons of Reuben. Now, On, son of Peleth, sons of Reuben. Now, On, son of Peleth, sons of Reuben. Now, I want you to notice I have three names I want you to notice I have three names I want you to notice I have three names underlined, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

underlined, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. underlined, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. These are the three that are going to These are the three that are going to These are the three that are going to form the rebellion, and you see we have form the rebellion, and you see we have form the rebellion, and you see we have two other names, which would be two other names, which would be two other names, which would be ancestors of Korah, Dathan, and and ancestors of Korah, Dathan, and and ancestors of Korah, Dathan, and and Abiram. You're going to see in a moment Abiram. You're going to see in a moment Abiram. You're going to see in a moment why I've highlighted them. These are the why I've highlighted them. These are the why I've highlighted them. These are the tribes that they come from. tribes that they come from. tribes that they come from. So, they took 250 prominent Israelite So, they took 250 prominent Israelite So, they took 250 prominent Israelite men who were leaders of the community men who were leaders of the community men who were leaders of the community and representatives in the assembly, and and representatives in the assembly, and and representatives in the assembly, and they rebelled against Moses. they rebelled against Moses. they rebelled against Moses. They came together against Moses and They came together against Moses and They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, "You've gone too Aaron and told them, "You've gone too Aaron and told them, "You've gone too far. Everyone in the entire community is far. Everyone in the entire community is far. Everyone in the entire community is holy and the Lord is among them. Why holy and the Lord is among them. Why holy and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the then do you exalt yourselves above the then do you exalt yourselves above the Lord's assembly?" Lord's assembly?" Lord's assembly?" When Moses heard this, he fell face When Moses heard this, he fell face When Moses heard this, he fell face down. Then he said to Korah and his down. Then he said to Korah and his down. Then he said to Korah and his followers, "Tomorrow morning, the Lord followers, "Tomorrow morning, the Lord followers, "Tomorrow morning, the Lord will reveal who belongs to him, who is will reveal who belongs to him, who is will reveal who belongs to him, who is set apart, and the one he will let come set apart, and the one he will let come set apart, and the one he will let come near him. near him. near him. He will let the one he chooses come near He will let the one he chooses come near He will let the one he chooses come near him. him. him. Korah, you and all your followers are to Korah, you and all your followers are to Korah, you and all your followers are to do this. Take fire pans and tomorrow do this. Take fire pans and tomorrow do this. Take fire pans and tomorrow place fire in them and put incense on place fire in them and put incense on place fire in them and put incense on them before the Lord. Then the man the them before the Lord. Then the man the them before the Lord. Then the man the Lord chooses will be the one who is set Lord chooses will be the one who is set Lord chooses will be the one who is set apart. It is you, Levites, who have gone apart. It is you, Levites, who have gone apart. It is you, Levites, who have gone too far. This is God's word." Let's stop too far. This is God's word." Let's stop too far. This is God's word." Let's stop here for a moment. Okay, who are these here for a moment. Okay, who are these here for a moment. Okay, who are these people and why are they rebelling? There people and why are they rebelling? There people and why are they rebelling? There is Korah and the Levites. They are is Korah and the Levites. They are is Korah and the Levites. They are rebelling against Aaron, who is the rebelling against Aaron, who is the rebelling against Aaron, who is the priest, and that they have a religious priest, and that they have a religious priest, and that they have a religious motivation. They're like, "Why is Aaron motivation. They're like, "Why is Aaron motivation. They're like, "Why is Aaron the one who gets to be in the presence the one who gets to be in the presence the one who gets to be in the presence of God? We want to be the ones who do of God? We want to be the ones who do of God? We want to be the ones who do that." And then there's Dathan and that." And then there's Dathan and that." And then there's Dathan and Abiram, and they're rebelling against Abiram, and they're rebelling against Abiram, and they're rebelling against Moses because of his civil authority.

Moses because of his civil authority. Moses because of his civil authority. "We want to be in the position of "We want to be in the position of "We want to be in the position of Moses." And so, they are complaining and Moses." And so, they are complaining and Moses." And so, they are complaining and grumbling against Moses and Aaron. Now, grumbling against Moses and Aaron. Now, grumbling against Moses and Aaron. Now, some of what they're saying is true. some of what they're saying is true. some of what they're saying is true. Which is the problem with grumbling. Which is the problem with grumbling. Which is the problem with grumbling. Oftentimes there's half-truth mixed with Oftentimes there's half-truth mixed with Oftentimes there's half-truth mixed with things that aren't true. It is true that things that aren't true. It is true that things that aren't true. It is true that God had appointed the entire assembly. God had appointed the entire assembly. God had appointed the entire assembly. It is true that God wanted to appear to It is true that God wanted to appear to It is true that God wanted to appear to all of the people and show his presence all of the people and show his presence all of the people and show his presence to people. What was untrue is that Moses to people. What was untrue is that Moses to people. What was untrue is that Moses had never put himself in a position had never put himself in a position had never put himself in a position like, "I'm better than you." In fact, like, "I'm better than you." In fact, like, "I'm better than you." In fact, Moses was the reluctant leader who was Moses was the reluctant leader who was Moses was the reluctant leader who was constantly saying, "God, if you want constantly saying, "God, if you want constantly saying, "God, if you want someone else to do this, please put someone else to do this, please put someone else to do this, please put someone else in charge." But that's someone else in charge." But that's someone else in charge." But that's often how grumbling and gossip works. often how grumbling and gossip works. often how grumbling and gossip works. It's often some things that are true It's often some things that are true It's often some things that are true mixed with things that are not true. And mixed with things that are not true. And mixed with things that are not true. And how did all of these groups come how did all of these groups come how did all of these groups come together? Cuz there's hundreds of together? Cuz there's hundreds of together? Cuz there's hundreds of thousands of people in the wilderness. thousands of people in the wilderness. thousands of people in the wilderness. How do they come together to go against How do they come together to go against How do they come together to go against Moses and Aaron? Well, scholars point Moses and Aaron? Well, scholars point Moses and Aaron? Well, scholars point out where they camped. out where they camped. out where they camped. What do you notice? What do you notice? What do you notice? What do you notice about the descendants What do you notice about the descendants What do you notice about the descendants of Kohath and the descendants of Reuben?

of Kohath and the descendants of Reuben? of Kohath and the descendants of Reuben? These are all the 12 tribes of Israel These are all the 12 tribes of Israel These are all the 12 tribes of Israel and where they would camp around the and where they would camp around the and where they would camp around the tabernacle. We saw this in our very tabernacle. We saw this in our very tabernacle. We saw this in our very first week in the study of the book of first week in the study of the book of first week in the study of the book of Numbers. You don't have to be a genius Numbers. You don't have to be a genius Numbers. You don't have to be a genius to figure this out. to figure this out. to figure this out. Complainers unite. Complainers unite. Complainers unite. They all camped in the same area. They all camped in the same area. They all camped in the same area. They grumbled together. This could be They grumbled together. This could be They grumbled together. This could be easily for some of you a description of easily for some of you a description of easily for some of you a description of what your office looks like or your what your office looks like or your what your office looks like or your neighborhood. It's all of the neighborhood. It's all of the neighborhood. It's all of the complainers coming together uniting on complainers coming together uniting on complainers coming together uniting on their complaining. their complaining. their complaining. When I was in my young 20s, I was in a When I was in my young 20s, I was in a When I was in my young 20s, I was in a mentoring group with an older pastor and mentoring group with an older pastor and mentoring group with an older pastor and he was mentoring a group of uh younger he was mentoring a group of uh younger he was mentoring a group of uh younger pastors. And there was one guy in the pastors. And there was one guy in the pastors. And there was one guy in the group who in a group setting, he meant group who in a group setting, he meant group who in a group setting, he meant this as a flex. Like he was kind of this as a flex. Like he was kind of this as a flex. Like he was kind of bragging on himself. He was saying, bragging on himself. He was saying, bragging on himself. He was saying, "Hey, it seems like people always come "Hey, it seems like people always come "Hey, it seems like people always come to me with their complaints. I think I'm to me with their complaints. I think I'm to me with their complaints. I think I'm just a safe person. I think there's just a safe person. I think there's just a safe person. I think there's something about me that people just know something about me that people just know something about me that people just know they can come to me." they can come to me." they can come to me." And the older pastor looked at him and And the older pastor looked at him and And the older pastor looked at him and said, "Son, said, "Son, said, "Son, that's not good.

that's not good. that's not good. You should ask what signal you're You should ask what signal you're You should ask what signal you're sending that everyone thinks they can sending that everyone thinks they can sending that everyone thinks they can come and unite with you around their come and unite with you around their come and unite with you around their complaining and their grumbling. This is complaining and their grumbling. This is complaining and their grumbling. This is what was happening on the south side of what was happening on the south side of what was happening on the south side of the tabernacle. This is the complainers the tabernacle. This is the complainers the tabernacle. This is the complainers from the south side and they were really from the south side and they were really from the south side and they were really struggling with what Moses and Aaron struggling with what Moses and Aaron struggling with what Moses and Aaron that they were the leaders and this that they were the leaders and this that they were the leaders and this really bothered them. Moses then reminds really bothered them. Moses then reminds really bothered them. Moses then reminds them, "Hey, I'm I'm going to sum up the them, "Hey, I'm I'm going to sum up the them, "Hey, I'm I'm going to sum up the next section." Reminds them that you're next section." Reminds them that you're next section." Reminds them that you're Levites. You have such an amazing thing Levites. You have such an amazing thing Levites. You have such an amazing thing that you get to do. You guard the that you get to do. You guard the that you get to do. You guard the tabernacle. But for these people it tabernacle. But for these people it tabernacle. But for these people it wasn't enough. They wanted more. wasn't enough. They wanted more. wasn't enough. They wanted more. Remember, this is the group of people Remember, this is the group of people Remember, this is the group of people that God had fed manna, bread from that God had fed manna, bread from that God had fed manna, bread from heaven in the wilderness, and the bread heaven in the wilderness, and the bread heaven in the wilderness, and the bread from heaven, the manna, wasn't enough. from heaven, the manna, wasn't enough. from heaven, the manna, wasn't enough. They wanted more. And here, they have a They wanted more. And here, they have a They wanted more. And here, they have a position as being Levites, but it's not position as being Levites, but it's not position as being Levites, but it's not enough. They want more. Moses wants to enough. They want more. Moses wants to enough. They want more. Moses wants to meet with them. They won't meet and they meet with them. They won't meet and they meet with them. They won't meet and they send word to Moses. This is in verse 13. send word to Moses. This is in verse 13. send word to Moses. This is in verse 13. Is it not enough that you brought us Is it not enough that you brought us Is it not enough that you brought us from a land flowing with milk and honey from a land flowing with milk and honey from a land flowing with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness? Do you to kill us in the wilderness? Do you to kill us in the wilderness? Do you also have to appoint yourself as ruler also have to appoint yourself as ruler also have to appoint yourself as ruler over us? Okay, this is crazy what they over us? Okay, this is crazy what they over us? Okay, this is crazy what they just said. They said, "You brought us just said. They said, "You brought us just said. They said, "You brought us out of Egypt, a land of milk and honey."

out of Egypt, a land of milk and honey." out of Egypt, a land of milk and honey." This is how you know that grumbling This is how you know that grumbling This is how you know that grumbling makes you foolish. They were rescued makes you foolish. They were rescued makes you foolish. They were rescued from slavery in Egypt. Now, they are from slavery in Egypt. Now, they are from slavery in Egypt. Now, they are looking back at their slavery and they looking back at their slavery and they looking back at their slavery and they are saying, "That's the land flowing are saying, "That's the land flowing are saying, "That's the land flowing with milk and honey." The promised land with milk and honey." The promised land with milk and honey." The promised land that God had for his people was the land that God had for his people was the land that God had for his people was the land that God said is flowing with milk and that God said is flowing with milk and that God said is flowing with milk and honey. This awesome land that God has honey. This awesome land that God has honey. This awesome land that God has for his people. But no, these people, for his people. But no, these people, for his people. But no, these people, they've complained themselves and and they've complained themselves and and they've complained themselves and and grumbled themselves into foolish grumbled themselves into foolish grumbled themselves into foolish thinking where they actually look back thinking where they actually look back thinking where they actually look back at their slavery and say, "That was the at their slavery and say, "That was the at their slavery and say, "That was the land filling flowing with milk and land filling flowing with milk and land filling flowing with milk and honey." This is so deeply offensive to honey." This is so deeply offensive to honey." This is so deeply offensive to God that they long for their old life. God that they long for their old life. God that they long for their old life. See, grumbling is so illogical and See, grumbling is so illogical and See, grumbling is so illogical and rebellion is often illogical. rebellion is often illogical. rebellion is often illogical. Those 10 inmates that escaped from the Those 10 inmates that escaped from the Those 10 inmates that escaped from the prison in New Orleans that I found prison in New Orleans that I found prison in New Orleans that I found myself rooting for until I read all myself rooting for until I read all myself rooting for until I read all about their stories, they they made a about their stories, they they made a about their stories, they they made a foolish choice when they escaped because foolish choice when they escaped because foolish choice when they escaped because they had no plan. 10 inmates escaped and they had no plan. 10 inmates escaped and they had no plan. 10 inmates escaped and within hour several of them were within hour several of them were within hour several of them were captured. One the next day sitting on a captured. One the next day sitting on a captured. One the next day sitting on a park bench. One 2 days later because he park bench. One 2 days later because he park bench. One 2 days later because he was posting on social media and people was posting on social media and people was posting on social media and people could find where he was located. Within could find where he was located. Within could find where he was located. Within months all of them were recaptured. And months all of them were recaptured. And months all of them were recaptured. And so their decision to rebel actually cost so their decision to rebel actually cost so their decision to rebel actually cost them more because now they have them more because now they have them more because now they have additional time added to their sentence.

additional time added to their sentence. additional time added to their sentence. It was illogical. It was illogical. It was illogical. And you know the rebellion that is the And you know the rebellion that is the And you know the rebellion that is the most illogical? most illogical? most illogical? It's our rebellion against God. It's our rebellion against God. It's our rebellion against God. I mean, let's just be honest how foolish I mean, let's just be honest how foolish I mean, let's just be honest how foolish we are we are we are when we choose to try and find life in when we choose to try and find life in when we choose to try and find life in something other than God. something other than God. something other than God. We are actually telling ourselves, we We are actually telling ourselves, we We are actually telling ourselves, we are fooling ourselves in the thinking are fooling ourselves in the thinking are fooling ourselves in the thinking that some created thing is going to be that some created thing is going to be that some created thing is going to be able to do more for us than our creator able to do more for us than our creator able to do more for us than our creator who gave himself for us. When we rebel who gave himself for us. When we rebel who gave himself for us. When we rebel against him, we actually are believing against him, we actually are believing against him, we actually are believing the lie that something other than him is the lie that something other than him is the lie that something other than him is going to be enough for us, but it's going to be enough for us, but it's going to be enough for us, but it's always less than him. When we rebel always less than him. When we rebel always less than him. When we rebel against him, we are looking at our old against him, we are looking at our old against him, we are looking at our old lives and saying our old lives that he lives and saying our old lives that he lives and saying our old lives that he rescued us from is really the land rescued us from is really the land rescued us from is really the land flowing with milk and honey. It is so flowing with milk and honey. It is so flowing with milk and honey. It is so foolish. And so you see again the foolish. And so you see again the foolish. And so you see again the foolishness of their grumbling, the foolishness of their grumbling, the foolishness of their grumbling, the foolishness of their rebellion. And the foolishness of their rebellion. And the foolishness of their rebellion. And the very next morning is when there is going very next morning is when there is going very next morning is when there is going to be the test that Moses subjected them to be the test that Moses subjected them to be the test that Moses subjected them to. He said, "Listen, here's what we're to. He said, "Listen, here's what we're to. He said, "Listen, here's what we're going to do. Each person is going to going to do. Each person is going to going to do. Each person is going to bring a fire pan." A fire pan is like a bring a fire pan." A fire pan is like a bring a fire pan." A fire pan is like a sensor and there's going to be incense sensor and there's going to be incense sensor and there's going to be incense in it. This is how they would enter into in it. This is how they would enter into in it. This is how they would enter into the presence of God in the tabernacle, the presence of God in the tabernacle, the presence of God in the tabernacle, but this was supposed to be Aaron that but this was supposed to be Aaron that but this was supposed to be Aaron that is doing this. But these people are is doing this. But these people are is doing this. But these people are saying, "We want Aaron's job. We want saying, "We want Aaron's job. We want saying, "We want Aaron's job. We want this." And Moses said, "Okay, let's see this." And Moses said, "Okay, let's see this." And Moses said, "Okay, let's see what happens if you enter into the what happens if you enter into the what happens if you enter into the presence of God, though he's not presence of God, though he's not presence of God, though he's not appointed you to do so. Let's see what appointed you to do so. Let's see what appointed you to do so. Let's see what happens. Bring a fire pan, bring some happens. Bring a fire pan, bring some happens. Bring a fire pan, bring some incense. Let's see who God approves of.

incense. Let's see who God approves of. incense. Let's see who God approves of. Let's see what happens next. Skip down Let's see what happens next. Skip down Let's see what happens next. Skip down to verse 18. This is the very next to verse 18. This is the very next to verse 18. This is the very next morning. Each man took his fire pan, morning. Each man took his fire pan, morning. Each man took his fire pan, placed fire in it, so it's a a pan or a placed fire in it, so it's a a pan or a placed fire in it, so it's a a pan or a sensor where incense comes out of it, sensor where incense comes out of it, sensor where incense comes out of it, and put incense on it and stood at the and put incense on it and stood at the and put incense on it and stood at the entrance of the tent of meeting along entrance of the tent of meeting along entrance of the tent of meeting along with Moses and Aaron. After Korah with Moses and Aaron. After Korah with Moses and Aaron. After Korah assembled the whole community against assembled the whole community against assembled the whole community against them at the entrance to the tent of the them at the entrance to the tent of the them at the entrance to the tent of the meeting, the glory of the Lord appeared meeting, the glory of the Lord appeared meeting, the glory of the Lord appeared to the whole community. The Lord spoke to the whole community. The Lord spoke to the whole community. The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Separate yourselves to Moses and Aaron, "Separate yourselves to Moses and Aaron, "Separate yourselves from this community so I may consume from this community so I may consume from this community so I may consume them instantly." them instantly." them instantly." Okay, this is a shocking text. This is a Okay, this is a shocking text. This is a Okay, this is a shocking text. This is a very quick rebellion. very quick rebellion. very quick rebellion. These are people who are saying, "We're These are people who are saying, "We're These are people who are saying, "We're going to prove that we can do what Aaron going to prove that we can do what Aaron going to prove that we can do what Aaron and Moses do." They they walk in and Moses do." They they walk in and Moses do." They they walk in unauthorized into the tabernacle, and unauthorized into the tabernacle, and unauthorized into the tabernacle, and God says, "I am going to consume them God says, "I am going to consume them God says, "I am going to consume them instantly." instantly." instantly." Moses, because he loves these people, he Moses, because he loves these people, he Moses, because he loves these people, he begged God to be merciful. And so, God begged God to be merciful. And so, God begged God to be merciful. And so, God tells Moses, "Tell everyone else in the tells Moses, "Tell everyone else in the tells Moses, "Tell everyone else in the community to get away from the tents of community to get away from the tents of community to get away from the tents of these people. Tell everyone else to get these people. Tell everyone else to get these people. Tell everyone else to get away." And notice what happens next, away." And notice what happens next, away." And notice what happens next, verse 31. Just as he finished speaking verse 31. Just as he finished speaking verse 31. Just as he finished speaking all these words, the ground beneath them all these words, the ground beneath them all these words, the ground beneath them split open. The earth opened its mouth split open. The earth opened its mouth split open. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households.

and swallowed them and their households. and swallowed them and their households. All Korah's people and all their All Korah's people and all their All Korah's people and all their possessions, they went down alive in the possessions, they went down alive in the possessions, they went down alive in the Sheol, the grave, with all that belonged Sheol, the grave, with all that belonged Sheol, the grave, with all that belonged to them. The earth closed over them, and to them. The earth closed over them, and to them. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. At they vanished from the assembly. At they vanished from the assembly. At their cries, the people of Israel all their cries, the people of Israel all their cries, the people of Israel all all the people of Israel who were around all the people of Israel who were around all the people of Israel who were around them fled because they thought, "The them fled because they thought, "The them fled because they thought, "The earth may swallow us, too." earth may swallow us, too." earth may swallow us, too." Now, this is God's word, and this is an Now, this is God's word, and this is an Now, this is God's word, and this is an intense passage. This is God quickly intense passage. This is God quickly intense passage. This is God quickly stifling, ending the rebellion, and stifling, ending the rebellion, and stifling, ending the rebellion, and bringing judgment because he's a holy bringing judgment because he's a holy bringing judgment because he's a holy God, and these people were not God, and these people were not God, and these people were not approaching him in the way that he had approaching him in the way that he had approaching him in the way that he had prescribed that they approach him. This prescribed that they approach him. This prescribed that they approach him. This is God's holy judgment. This is not just is God's holy judgment. This is not just is God's holy judgment. This is not just some natural sinkhole. I had a sinkhole, some natural sinkhole. I had a sinkhole, some natural sinkhole. I had a sinkhole, my wife and I had a sinkhole in our my wife and I had a sinkhole in our my wife and I had a sinkhole in our house in Cincinnati. It was in our front house in Cincinnati. It was in our front house in Cincinnati. It was in our front yard and neighbors would kind of make yard and neighbors would kind of make yard and neighbors would kind of make fun of us like you guys are going to fun of us like you guys are going to fun of us like you guys are going to fall in. Be careful going into your fall in. Be careful going into your fall in. Be careful going into your house. There was ground that just kind house. There was ground that just kind house. There was ground that just kind of started getting of started getting of started getting just it was sinking down. It was a big just it was sinking down. It was a big just it was sinking down. It was a big hole in our yard, but it happened over hole in our yard, but it happened over hole in our yard, but it happened over time and we would just kind of laugh time and we would just kind of laugh time and we would just kind of laugh about it and and go around and go into about it and and go around and go into about it and and go around and go into our house and eventually got it filled our house and eventually got it filled our house and eventually got it filled with dirt and put grass on it and with dirt and put grass on it and with dirt and put grass on it and everything was fine. This is an everything was fine. This is an everything was fine. This is an instantaneous judgment of God, massive instantaneous judgment of God, massive instantaneous judgment of God, massive hole, the people are consumed and the hole, the people are consumed and the hole, the people are consumed and the hole is brought back and all of Israel hole is brought back and all of Israel hole is brought back and all of Israel who saw it happen flees. This is God who saw it happen flees. This is God who saw it happen flees. This is God bringing judgment. Now at this point bringing judgment. Now at this point bringing judgment. Now at this point surely surely the people would stop surely surely the people would stop surely surely the people would stop complaining against God.

complaining against God. complaining against God. At this point surely they're going to At this point surely they're going to At this point surely they're going to realize wow, this God is holy and when realize wow, this God is holy and when realize wow, this God is holy and when he says this is what's going to happen, he says this is what's going to happen, he says this is what's going to happen, this is exactly what's happening. But this is exactly what's happening. But this is exactly what's happening. But flip the page and you'll see in verse 41 flip the page and you'll see in verse 41 flip the page and you'll see in verse 41 the very next day, no way. There's no the very next day, no way. There's no the very next day, no way. There's no way they still complain. way they still complain. way they still complain. Surely they're going to stop grumbling. Surely they're going to stop grumbling. Surely they're going to stop grumbling. Verse 41. Verse 41. Verse 41. The next day The next day The next day the entire Israelite community the entire Israelite community the entire Israelite community complained about Moses and Aaron saying, complained about Moses and Aaron saying, complained about Moses and Aaron saying, "You have killed the Lord's people." "You have killed the Lord's people." "You have killed the Lord's people." When the community assembled against When the community assembled against When the community assembled against them, Moses and Aaron turned toward the them, Moses and Aaron turned toward the them, Moses and Aaron turned toward the tent of meeting and suddenly the cloud tent of meeting and suddenly the cloud tent of meeting and suddenly the cloud covered it and the Lord's glory covered it and the Lord's glory covered it and the Lord's glory appeared. Moses and Aaron went to the appeared. Moses and Aaron went to the appeared. Moses and Aaron went to the front of the tent of the meeting and the front of the tent of the meeting and the front of the tent of the meeting and the Lord said to Moses, "Get away from this Lord said to Moses, "Get away from this Lord said to Moses, "Get away from this community so I may consume them community so I may consume them community so I may consume them instantly." But they fell face down. God instantly." But they fell face down. God instantly." But they fell face down. God then sends a plague to these people who then sends a plague to these people who then sends a plague to these people who are grumbling and complaining once are grumbling and complaining once are grumbling and complaining once again. Moses asked Aaron the priest to again. Moses asked Aaron the priest to again. Moses asked Aaron the priest to run into the people to offer a sacrifice run into the people to offer a sacrifice run into the people to offer a sacrifice to offer incense so that God's anger to offer incense so that God's anger to offer incense so that God's anger will be turned away from these people.

will be turned away from these people. will be turned away from these people. And that's what Aaron does, verse 47. And that's what Aaron does, verse 47. And that's what Aaron does, verse 47. So, Aaron took his fire pan as Moses had So, Aaron took his fire pan as Moses had So, Aaron took his fire pan as Moses had ordered, ran into the middle of the ordered, ran into the middle of the ordered, ran into the middle of the assembly, and saw that the plague had assembly, and saw that the plague had assembly, and saw that the plague had begun among the people. After he had begun among the people. After he had begun among the people. After he had added incense, he made atonement for the added incense, he made atonement for the added incense, he made atonement for the people. He stood between the dead and people. He stood between the dead and people. He stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was halted. the living, and the plague was halted. the living, and the plague was halted. This is God's word. Aaron loved these This is God's word. Aaron loved these This is God's word. Aaron loved these people, so he ran into the plague. He people, so he ran into the plague. He people, so he ran into the plague. He risked his own life, even though these risked his own life, even though these risked his own life, even though these people didn't want him. He was willing people didn't want him. He was willing people didn't want him. He was willing to run into the depth of the moment and to run into the depth of the moment and to run into the depth of the moment and offer a sacrifice, and offer incense so offer a sacrifice, and offer incense so offer a sacrifice, and offer incense so that God would smell the offering and that God would smell the offering and that God would smell the offering and turn his wrath, turn his holy anger away turn his wrath, turn his holy anger away turn his wrath, turn his holy anger away from that moment. Now, this scene is so from that moment. Now, this scene is so from that moment. Now, this scene is so epic. I mean, it is a intense account. epic. I mean, it is a intense account. epic. I mean, it is a intense account. Some people, some modern readers may Some people, some modern readers may Some people, some modern readers may struggle with this. Wow, what kind of struggle with this. Wow, what kind of struggle with this. Wow, what kind of God is this that sends judgment like God is this that sends judgment like God is this that sends judgment like this? What kind of account is this? this? What kind of account is this? this? What kind of account is this? We must understand as we read the whole We must understand as we read the whole We must understand as we read the whole scripture that this is really a um scripture that this is really a um scripture that this is really a um a snapshot of truths that we read about a snapshot of truths that we read about a snapshot of truths that we read about God in the scripture. We understand that God in the scripture. We understand that God in the scripture. We understand that God is more holy than we ever could God is more holy than we ever could God is more holy than we ever could imagine. He is more righteous, more holy imagine. He is more righteous, more holy imagine. He is more righteous, more holy than we could ever fully know.

than we could ever fully know. than we could ever fully know. We love the sun here in Southern We love the sun here in Southern We love the sun here in Southern California. It's amazing, but we also California. It's amazing, but we also California. It's amazing, but we also know that the sun must be taken know that the sun must be taken know that the sun must be taken seriously. That you're not going to just seriously. That you're not going to just seriously. That you're not going to just walk up and approach the sun, that you walk up and approach the sun, that you walk up and approach the sun, that you would instantly You would instantly die. would instantly You would instantly die. would instantly You would instantly die. The sun is just too powerful, too The sun is just too powerful, too The sun is just too powerful, too awesome. And God's holiness is the same awesome. And God's holiness is the same awesome. And God's holiness is the same way. We love that he's holy because he way. We love that he's holy because he way. We love that he's holy because he gives us real life, but we can't just gives us real life, but we can't just gives us real life, but we can't just casually approach the the presence of a casually approach the the presence of a casually approach the the presence of a holy God. So, God is more holy than we holy God. So, God is more holy than we holy God. So, God is more holy than we imagine, too. We are more sinful than we imagine, too. We are more sinful than we imagine, too. We are more sinful than we often think that we are. often think that we are. often think that we are. That because God is more holy that our That because God is more holy that our That because God is more holy that our struggles are more sinful, our struggles are more sinful, our struggles are more sinful, our iniquities, are the things that we have iniquities, are the things that we have iniquities, are the things that we have done to rebel against God, we may done to rebel against God, we may done to rebel against God, we may sometimes view them as small, we may sometimes view them as small, we may sometimes view them as small, we may view grumbling or complaining as small, view grumbling or complaining as small, view grumbling or complaining as small, but compared to a holy God, they are, but compared to a holy God, they are, but compared to a holy God, they are, according to the scripture, utterly according to the scripture, utterly according to the scripture, utterly sinful. We are more sinful than we often sinful. We are more sinful than we often sinful. We are more sinful than we often imagine ourselves to be. That includes imagine ourselves to be. That includes imagine ourselves to be. That includes me. Now, I want to be honest. I've seen me. Now, I want to be honest. I've seen me. Now, I want to be honest. I've seen some pastors take this text that I am some pastors take this text that I am some pastors take this text that I am teaching to you today and use it to teaching to you today and use it to teaching to you today and use it to manipulate people. I've heard pastors manipulate people. I've heard pastors manipulate people. I've heard pastors take this text and essentially say, "I'm take this text and essentially say, "I'm take this text and essentially say, "I'm Moses. I'm the leader of the community, Moses. I'm the leader of the community, Moses. I'm the leader of the community, and you shouldn't complain against me, and you shouldn't complain against me, and you shouldn't complain against me, and you should follow whatever direction and you should follow whatever direction and you should follow whatever direction that I give." That's a misapplication of that I give." That's a misapplication of that I give." That's a misapplication of this text. Because in the New Testament, this text. Because in the New Testament, this text. Because in the New Testament, none of us are Moses. I'm not Moses. In none of us are Moses. I'm not Moses. In none of us are Moses. I'm not Moses. In the New Testament, Jesus is the greater the New Testament, Jesus is the greater the New Testament, Jesus is the greater and better Moses. I'm like you in the and better Moses. I'm like you in the and better Moses. I'm like you in the community. I am deeply sinful, just like community. I am deeply sinful, just like community. I am deeply sinful, just like you. I need God's grace, just like you.

you. I need God's grace, just like you. you. I need God's grace, just like you. So, I'm not taking this passage and So, I'm not taking this passage and So, I'm not taking this passage and saying, "Listen, I'm Moses. You should saying, "Listen, I'm Moses. You should saying, "Listen, I'm Moses. You should follow me wherever I go." I'm not Moses. follow me wherever I go." I'm not Moses. follow me wherever I go." I'm not Moses. Jesus is the better Moses. I, like you, Jesus is the better Moses. I, like you, Jesus is the better Moses. I, like you, have fallen woefully short of God's have fallen woefully short of God's have fallen woefully short of God's glory, but in the community, I am glory, but in the community, I am glory, but in the community, I am reminding us that God is holy, and that reminding us that God is holy, and that reminding us that God is holy, and that we have all fallen short. we have all fallen short. we have all fallen short. And therefore, number three, we need a And therefore, number three, we need a And therefore, number three, we need a mediator. mediator. mediator. All of us need a mediator. God is more All of us need a mediator. God is more All of us need a mediator. God is more holy than we can imagine. We are more holy than we can imagine. We are more holy than we can imagine. We are more sinful than we often realize that we sinful than we often realize that we sinful than we often realize that we are, and we need a mediator. Aaron, who are, and we need a mediator. Aaron, who are, and we need a mediator. Aaron, who runs into the plague, gives us a picture runs into the plague, gives us a picture runs into the plague, gives us a picture of Jesus. We need a mediator. One who's of Jesus. We need a mediator. One who's of Jesus. We need a mediator. One who's going to go before God the Father and going to go before God the Father and going to go before God the Father and have the holy anger against sin turned have the holy anger against sin turned have the holy anger against sin turned from us. Jesus actually accomplishes from us. Jesus actually accomplishes from us. Jesus actually accomplishes more than what Aaron accomplished. Aaron more than what Aaron accomplished. Aaron more than what Aaron accomplished. Aaron ran into the plague, and he had God's ran into the plague, and he had God's ran into the plague, and he had God's wrath just turned away. Jesus ran into wrath just turned away. Jesus ran into wrath just turned away. Jesus ran into the plague, the brokenness, the the plague, the brokenness, the the plague, the brokenness, the sinfulness of this world, and he didn't sinfulness of this world, and he didn't sinfulness of this world, and he didn't only have that holy anger of God turned only have that holy anger of God turned only have that holy anger of God turned away, but he had it absorbed in his own away, but he had it absorbed in his own away, but he had it absorbed in his own flesh. Aaron ran into the death and the flesh. Aaron ran into the death and the flesh. Aaron ran into the death and the plague, and Jesus stepped into this plague, and Jesus stepped into this plague, and Jesus stepped into this world to seek and to save that which is world to seek and to save that which is world to seek and to save that which is lost. Aaron risked his life for people lost. Aaron risked his life for people lost. Aaron risked his life for people that he loved. Jesus did more than just that he loved. Jesus did more than just that he loved. Jesus did more than just risk his life. Jesus the Christ gave his risk his life. Jesus the Christ gave his risk his life. Jesus the Christ gave his life for us. Aaron carried a censer into life for us. Aaron carried a censer into life for us. Aaron carried a censer into the plague. Jesus carried the cross, and the plague. Jesus carried the cross, and the plague. Jesus carried the cross, and as he was placed on the cross, the wrath as he was placed on the cross, the wrath as he was placed on the cross, the wrath of God wasn't just turned, the wrath of of God wasn't just turned, the wrath of of God wasn't just turned, the wrath of God was absorbed in Jesus for 6 hours as

God was absorbed in Jesus for 6 hours as God was absorbed in Jesus for 6 hours as he was crucified in our place, and he he was crucified in our place, and he he was crucified in our place, and he yelled out, "It is finished." This is yelled out, "It is finished." This is yelled out, "It is finished." This is such good news for us. There is no more such good news for us. There is no more such good news for us. There is no more wrath for God to pour out on you because wrath for God to pour out on you because wrath for God to pour out on you because Jesus has absorbed all of it. He drank Jesus has absorbed all of it. He drank Jesus has absorbed all of it. He drank the cup of God's wrath to the very last the cup of God's wrath to the very last the cup of God's wrath to the very last drop. So, the only thing that is left drop. So, the only thing that is left drop. So, the only thing that is left for you is the mercy and grace of Jesus, for you is the mercy and grace of Jesus, for you is the mercy and grace of Jesus, and his grace is bigger than all of our and his grace is bigger than all of our and his grace is bigger than all of our sin, including all of the times we've sin, including all of the times we've sin, including all of the times we've grumbled and complained. His grace is grumbled and complained. His grace is grumbled and complained. His grace is bigger. bigger. bigger. And there's one thing I want to point And there's one thing I want to point And there's one thing I want to point out in the scripture that just reminds out in the scripture that just reminds out in the scripture that just reminds us how awesome his grace is. us how awesome his grace is. us how awesome his grace is. Korah Korah Korah and all the people in his family were and all the people in his family were and all the people in his family were swallowed up, but clearly there's some swallowed up, but clearly there's some swallowed up, but clearly there's some of his descendants that actually moved of his descendants that actually moved of his descendants that actually moved into the promised land. into the promised land. into the promised land. And that they actually believed in God's And that they actually believed in God's And that they actually believed in God's grace. How do we know? Oh, this is so grace. How do we know? Oh, this is so grace. How do we know? Oh, this is so fascinating to me. In the scripture, fascinating to me. In the scripture, fascinating to me. In the scripture, there's 150 Psalms. Three of them in the there's 150 Psalms. Three of them in the there's 150 Psalms. Three of them in the original language are written by the original language are written by the original language are written by the sons of Korah.

sons of Korah. sons of Korah. Psalm 52, I'm sorry, Psalm 42, Psalm 46, Psalm 52, I'm sorry, Psalm 42, Psalm 46, Psalm 52, I'm sorry, Psalm 42, Psalm 46, and Psalm 84. Psalm 84, the sons of and Psalm 84. Psalm 84, the sons of and Psalm 84. Psalm 84, the sons of Korah write, "Better is 1 day in your Korah write, "Better is 1 day in your Korah write, "Better is 1 day in your house, oh Lord, than a thousand house, oh Lord, than a thousand house, oh Lord, than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a a elsewhere. I would rather be a a elsewhere. I would rather be a a I'd rather watch the tent of God than I'd rather watch the tent of God than I'd rather watch the tent of God than dwell in the house of the wicked." The dwell in the house of the wicked." The dwell in the house of the wicked." The sons of Korah are saying, "It it doesn't sons of Korah are saying, "It it doesn't sons of Korah are saying, "It it doesn't matter to me if I'm the if I'm on the matter to me if I'm the if I'm on the matter to me if I'm the if I'm on the outside. I just want to be close to outside. I just want to be close to outside. I just want to be close to God's grace. And so they the the God's grace. And so they the the God's grace. And so they the the descendants of Korah descendants of Korah descendants of Korah understand the power and the grace and understand the power and the grace and understand the power and the grace and the glory of our great God, that His the glory of our great God, that His the glory of our great God, that His grace is big. So here is the lesson that grace is big. So here is the lesson that grace is big. So here is the lesson that you must walk away from this text. Jude, you must walk away from this text. Jude, you must walk away from this text. Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, tells this the half-brother of Jesus, tells this the half-brother of Jesus, tells this account in the book of Jude. He says, account in the book of Jude. He says, account in the book of Jude. He says, "Don't be like the sons of Korah. The "Don't be like the sons of Korah. The "Don't be like the sons of Korah. The sons of Korah rebelled against the grace sons of Korah rebelled against the grace sons of Korah rebelled against the grace of God." The reason Jude wrote that, it of God." The reason Jude wrote that, it of God." The reason Jude wrote that, it was 30 or 40 years after Jesus was was 30 or 40 years after Jesus was was 30 or 40 years after Jesus was resurrected from the dead. There's a resurrected from the dead. There's a resurrected from the dead. There's a whole bunch of people becoming whole bunch of people becoming whole bunch of people becoming Christians. Then some of the people Christians. Then some of the people Christians. Then some of the people who'd become Christians started saying, who'd become Christians started saying, who'd become Christians started saying, "I'm not sure I want to become I'm not "I'm not sure I want to become I'm not "I'm not sure I want to become I'm not sure I want Jesus." I and they started sure I want Jesus." I and they started sure I want Jesus." I and they started to walk away. Just like the people in to walk away. Just like the people in to walk away. Just like the people in the wilderness started saying, "I don't the wilderness started saying, "I don't the wilderness started saying, "I don't know if God's grace is really awesome. I know if God's grace is really awesome. I know if God's grace is really awesome. I want to go back to Egypt." And so Jude want to go back to Egypt." And so Jude want to go back to Egypt." And so Jude said, "Whatever you do, don't be like said, "Whatever you do, don't be like said, "Whatever you do, don't be like the sons the sons the sons of Korah. Don't be like Korah. Don't of Korah. Don't be like Korah. Don't of Korah. Don't be like Korah. Don't rebel this way."

rebel this way." rebel this way." You're going to rebel, but rebel in the You're going to rebel, but rebel in the You're going to rebel, but rebel in the right way. right way. right way. Rebel against grumbling, not against His Rebel against grumbling, not against His Rebel against grumbling, not against His grace. There's something in with all of grace. There's something in with all of grace. There's something in with all of us that we just we're going to rebel. us that we just we're going to rebel. us that we just we're going to rebel. So ask God to purify your rebellion. If So ask God to purify your rebellion. If So ask God to purify your rebellion. If you give Him your heart, if you worship you give Him your heart, if you worship you give Him your heart, if you worship God in all of what He's done for you, God in all of what He's done for you, God in all of what He's done for you, because Christ ran into your plague and because Christ ran into your plague and because Christ ran into your plague and removed all of your sin and your shame, removed all of your sin and your shame, removed all of your sin and your shame, if you're in all of Him, you want to if you're in all of Him, you want to if you're in all of Him, you want to give Him your heart, and then you want give Him your heart, and then you want give Him your heart, and then you want to rebel to rebel to rebel against your grumbling. against your grumbling. against your grumbling. You want to rebel in the right way. You want to rebel in the right way. You want to rebel in the right way. Grumbling spread in the account in the Grumbling spread in the account in the Grumbling spread in the account in the book of Numbers. It spread on the south book of Numbers. It spread on the south book of Numbers. It spread on the south side of the tabernacle, and grumbling side of the tabernacle, and grumbling side of the tabernacle, and grumbling still spreads. Grumbling spreads, and still spreads. Grumbling spreads, and still spreads. Grumbling spreads, and grumbling will spread in your heart and grumbling will spread in your heart and grumbling will spread in your heart and my heart. Grumbling will spread in our my heart. Grumbling will spread in our my heart. Grumbling will spread in our hearts and cause us to be frustrated and hearts and cause us to be frustrated and hearts and cause us to be frustrated and filled with anxiousness and anger, and filled with anxiousness and anger, and filled with anxiousness and anger, and grumbling will spread in our minds grumbling will spread in our minds grumbling will spread in our minds causing us to be illogical and foolish, causing us to be illogical and foolish, causing us to be illogical and foolish, actually viewing our former lives as the actually viewing our former lives as the actually viewing our former lives as the lives that would have milk and honey.

lives that would have milk and honey. lives that would have milk and honey. Grumbling spreads in you. And so, what Grumbling spreads in you. And so, what Grumbling spreads in you. And so, what you have to do is rebel against you have to do is rebel against you have to do is rebel against grumbling. Don't rebel against his grumbling. Don't rebel against his grumbling. Don't rebel against his grace. Rebel against your grumbling. grace. Rebel against your grumbling. grace. Rebel against your grumbling. How do you rebel against your grumbling? How do you rebel against your grumbling? How do you rebel against your grumbling? Well, you see the grumbling start to Well, you see the grumbling start to Well, you see the grumbling start to spread in your life and you're like, I spread in your life and you're like, I spread in your life and you're like, I don't want this to happen at all to me. don't want this to happen at all to me. don't want this to happen at all to me. Grumbling is going to be a temptation Grumbling is going to be a temptation Grumbling is going to be a temptation for you. Why? Because you're in the for you. Why? Because you're in the for you. Why? Because you're in the wilderness and life in the wilderness is wilderness and life in the wilderness is wilderness and life in the wilderness is often challenging. And because you're often challenging. And because you're often challenging. And because you're human, just like I'm human, there's human, just like I'm human, there's human, just like I'm human, there's going to be moments when you are tempted going to be moments when you are tempted going to be moments when you are tempted to grumble. You live in a culture to grumble. You live in a culture to grumble. You live in a culture surrounded by grumbling. You're going to surrounded by grumbling. You're going to surrounded by grumbling. You're going to be tempted to grumble. So, rebel against be tempted to grumble. So, rebel against be tempted to grumble. So, rebel against your grumbling. your grumbling. your grumbling. If you find yourself on social media If you find yourself on social media If you find yourself on social media constantly going down a rabbit hole that constantly going down a rabbit hole that constantly going down a rabbit hole that causes you to see news that just causes you to see news that just causes you to see news that just frustrates you, rebel against your frustrates you, rebel against your frustrates you, rebel against your grumbling by spending less time on grumbling by spending less time on grumbling by spending less time on social media. social media. social media. If while you're on social media, you you If while you're on social media, you you If while you're on social media, you you see accounts of other people and it see accounts of other people and it see accounts of other people and it causes you to be filled with envy or causes you to be filled with envy or causes you to be filled with envy or angry towards them, rebel against your angry towards them, rebel against your angry towards them, rebel against your grumbling by spending less time on that grumbling by spending less time on that grumbling by spending less time on that app.

app. app. If If If you find yourself with a group of people you find yourself with a group of people you find yourself with a group of people and this group of people, you just see and this group of people, you just see and this group of people, you just see it when you're with them, the worst it when you're with them, the worst it when you're with them, the worst parts of you get pulled out. Their parts of you get pulled out. Their parts of you get pulled out. Their grumbling inspires your grumbling and grumbling inspires your grumbling and grumbling inspires your grumbling and you're just like the people on the south you're just like the people on the south you're just like the people on the south side of the tabernacle, your grumbling side of the tabernacle, your grumbling side of the tabernacle, your grumbling when you're with them just multiplies, when you're with them just multiplies, when you're with them just multiplies, well, limit your time with this group of well, limit your time with this group of well, limit your time with this group of people. people. people. Rebel against your grumbling. Be angry Rebel against your grumbling. Be angry Rebel against your grumbling. Be angry at your grumbling. at your grumbling. at your grumbling. If you find that on Sunday evenings you If you find that on Sunday evenings you If you find that on Sunday evenings you start looking at what your week looks start looking at what your week looks start looking at what your week looks like and you start to grumble against like and you start to grumble against like and you start to grumble against your job. You don't like your boss and your job. You don't like your boss and your job. You don't like your boss and you don't like the mission of the you don't like the mission of the you don't like the mission of the organization. You don't like the team organization. You don't like the team organization. You don't like the team that you're working on. You share with that you're working on. You share with that you're working on. You share with your spouse or with a friend every your spouse or with a friend every your spouse or with a friend every Sunday night. You're looking at the Sunday night. You're looking at the Sunday night. You're looking at the calendar and you're like, calendar and you're like, calendar and you're like, and your grumbling starts to increase. and your grumbling starts to increase. and your grumbling starts to increase. What do you do in that moment? You rebel What do you do in that moment? You rebel What do you do in that moment? You rebel against your grumbling by reminding against your grumbling by reminding against your grumbling by reminding yourself how awesome God has been to yourself how awesome God has been to yourself how awesome God has been to you. That he's providing for you. That you. That he's providing for you. That you. That he's providing for you. That the job you have is a provision from the job you have is a provision from the job you have is a provision from God. That he's rescued you. That he's God. That he's rescued you. That he's God. That he's rescued you. That he's pulled you out of slavery and out of all pulled you out of slavery and out of all pulled you out of slavery and out of all of your sin and all of your shame. You of your sin and all of your shame. You of your sin and all of your shame. You rebel against your grumbling by rebel against your grumbling by rebel against your grumbling by remembering his grace. You rebel against remembering his grace. You rebel against remembering his grace. You rebel against your grumbling by asking God to increase your grumbling by asking God to increase your grumbling by asking God to increase your awe for his grace in your life.

your awe for his grace in your life. your awe for his grace in your life. That he is Jesus the Christ is the That he is Jesus the Christ is the That he is Jesus the Christ is the mediator who ran into mediator who ran into mediator who ran into the darkness, the sinfulness of this the darkness, the sinfulness of this the darkness, the sinfulness of this world. world. world. And on the cross, he absorbed in his And on the cross, he absorbed in his And on the cross, he absorbed in his flesh all of your sin and your shame and flesh all of your sin and your shame and flesh all of your sin and your shame and all of the punishment that should have all of the punishment that should have all of the punishment that should have been mine, he absorbed. All of the been mine, he absorbed. All of the been mine, he absorbed. All of the punishment that should have been yours, punishment that should have been yours, punishment that should have been yours, he absorbed. Why would we rebel against he absorbed. Why would we rebel against he absorbed. Why would we rebel against his grace? Why would we rebel against his grace? Why would we rebel against his grace? Why would we rebel against him? The one who can satisfy the him? The one who can satisfy the him? The one who can satisfy the longings of our souls unlike anything or longings of our souls unlike anything or longings of our souls unlike anything or anyone else. Why would we rebel against anyone else. Why would we rebel against anyone else. Why would we rebel against him? No, you be wise this week. You him? No, you be wise this week. You him? No, you be wise this week. You don't rebel against his grace. You rebel don't rebel against his grace. You rebel don't rebel against his grace. You rebel against your grumbling. So, get angry at against your grumbling. So, get angry at against your grumbling. So, get angry at your grumbling. Decide right now, "No, your grumbling. Decide right now, "No, your grumbling. Decide right now, "No, I'm not going out like that. I'm not I'm not going out like that. I'm not I'm not going out like that. I'm not going to be like Korah. I'm not doing going to be like Korah. I'm not doing going to be like Korah. I'm not doing this. No way." And so, you fill your this. No way." And so, you fill your this. No way." And so, you fill your heart with gratitude for God's grace in heart with gratitude for God's grace in heart with gratitude for God's grace in your life. You don't surround yourself your life. You don't surround yourself your life. You don't surround yourself with people that are going to pull you with people that are going to pull you with people that are going to pull you into grumbling. You don't throw yourself into grumbling. You don't throw yourself into grumbling. You don't throw yourself into environments that it's going to into environments that it's going to into environments that it's going to pull your grumbling to the surface pull your grumbling to the surface pull your grumbling to the surface because when you do, you bring because when you do, you bring because when you do, you bring anxiousness into your heart and anxiousness into your heart and anxiousness into your heart and foolishness into your mind. No, get foolishness into your mind. No, get foolishness into your mind. No, get ticked off at your grumbling and fight ticked off at your grumbling and fight ticked off at your grumbling and fight against it. Rebel against your against it. Rebel against your against it. Rebel against your grumbling. Don't rebel against his grumbling. Don't rebel against his grumbling. Don't rebel against his grace. Receive his grace and rebel grace. Receive his grace and rebel grace. Receive his grace and rebel against your grumbling.

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