Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

WHAT DID KORAH DO THAT WAS SO WRONG?

Korah is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments: Numbers 16 and Jude 11. His end was swift and sad. He also carried hundreds into death with him. Notice some most interesting Bible facts concerning Korah.

Korah was a very likeable man. He was a Levite meaning he was a priest and a leader of men -- one who was to teach others the ways of God. He was so well liked that hundreds of the princes of Israel and their families followed him. So far, so good. Would not almost anyone desire to be like him? So, what did Korah do that was so wrong?

Korah allowed himself to be lifted up in pride. He desired the position of Aaron and Moses as the most prominent leader of the nation. With his supporters following him, he perceived himself as great, but he felt he should be number one in Israel. As a result he called into question the leadership of Aaron and Moses in a public challenge.

Aaron and Moses did not immediately answer his challenge of leadership. Instead they took the case to God. After all, it was God who put them there, and they were dedicated to doing God's will. God instructed that all the princes of Israel should each bring his staff and lay it up at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation to wait for God's sign. This they all did. However when they looked the next morning, Aaron's rod had come to life, budded and even bore almonds. Thus did God signify his approval of the Aaronic Priesthood for the position of leading the people in spiritual affairs. So, what had Korah done that was so wrong? He had rejected and even rebelled at the authority of God. This is exactly what Lucifer had done before him.

What happened to Korah, his family, his followers and their families? The earth opened and swallowed them in an instant and then closed back again, and they were no more in the world of men. Surely, this incident continues to say something very important today.

It is extremely dangerous to reject and/or rebel at the authority of God. The authority of God is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. It is invested in His New Testament Church. When one says no to the cross there will be eternal consequences to pay. When one says "no" to baptism and church fellowship there will be eternal consequences to pay. When God's people feel they can get along without Him and throw off his authority by rejecting His fellowship and His church, they abuse, and do despite to the marvelous grace of God, and they can never imagine how awful the consequences will be. Doubtless, the earth will not open and swallow them up in an instant of time, but they will lose the value and reward of life in the end. There will be no opportunity to make up for that mistake. Let us all be mindful of Korah for his actions are recorded for our benefit upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Cor. 10:11.

FOR THOUGHT: Do you understand that a bona fide New Testament church operates within the sphere of heaven’s authority? Does that not mean that violating its authority is a violation of heaven’s authority? Will all believers be judged on how they have nurtured and upheld that authority or how they have abused it? How highly do you esteem the church of your membership?

WHAT DID LAZARUS’ SISTER DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

Mary, the sister of Lazarus also had a sister named Martha. Mary was a common name in Biblical times. Consequently, that name is used often and refers to different people. What most people remember about Mary, the sister of Lazarus is that she chose to sit at Jesus feet and learn of heavenly things rather than concern herself with food preparation. That choice brought rebuke from Martha, but praise from Jesus.

A more notable deed that Mary did is also recorded in the gospels. Near to the time of Jesus’ betrayal and subsequent crucifixion, He visited the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary as He had done several times before. On this occasion, Mary brought out a box of very expensive ointment and anointed the body of Jesus. Again, there was criticism. Some of the apostles wondered why the waste when the ointment could have brought a handsome price in the marketplace, and the money given to the poor. But again, Jesus upheld her actions, knowing her true motive. She had anointed Jesus body for burial, something no one else had done or even thought about.

Because Mary put Jesus above earthly things and chose to learn of Him, she was given spiritual insight and comprehended things others had not. Therefore she was enabled to provide special service and honor to Jesus, and that was so right! Moreover, Mary’s opportunity was not singularly hers. Others were there. Others had followed Jesus. Others had heard Him speak of being crucified. But it was Mary who understood, and did what she could.

It is much the same way today. Everyone has access to a Bible. Everyone can be saved. Everyone can gain much spiritual insight into the things of God, if they dedicate themselves to gaining it.

Moreover, one can be sure that even the best of deeds done from a pure heart will suffer criticism. Sometimes that comes from those who consider themselves to be close followers of Jesus. However, it is what God approves that is important.

Mary and her deeds were incorporated into the Word of God, and every generation since has knowledge of her. She was a shining example, and while she enjoys heavenly rest, those wonderful deeds still multiply and follow her to God’s glory and her eternal reward.

One day the same will be true of all of God’s people who put Jesus first in their life. This will make the Judgment Seat of Christ a most rich and rewarding event for all such disciples, and that is so right!

FOR THOUGHT: Your time and talents are valuable, but do you sometimes sense that men

may think you waste them to honor God? In studied acts of worship, do you consider any of them to be wasteful? Are they more important to you than social events?