Seek Ye the Priesthood Also?
“Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?”Numbers 16:9–10 (KJV)
Korah was a Levite. God had already brought him close: “the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD.” But it wasn’t enough. He wanted Aaron’s place.
Moses asked the question that exposed it: “And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?” Korah had a calling. He wanted someone else’s.
Hebrews says the priesthood was never something a person could grab: “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” Then it adds, “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest.” Even Jesus didn’t appoint himself.
Ambition isn’t wrong. But it is easy to despise the calling you have while reaching for one God didn’t give you. Be faithful where he has brought you near.
Read it yourself
Read Numbers 16:1–11. What did Korah and his company say to Moses and Aaron?
Are you content with the calling God has given you, or reaching for someone else’s?
Lord, thank you for bringing me near to you. Help me be faithful in my own calling. Amen.