"And Moses said to Korah, "Hear now, you sons of Levi: is it too small a thing for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself, to do service in the tabernacle of the Lord and to stand before the congregation to minister to them, and that he has brought you near him, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? And you would seek the priesthood also? Therefore it is against the Lord that you and all your company have gathered together. What is Aaron that you grumble against him." - Number 16:8-11
This story of Korah is a powerful example of a rebellion rising up out of not being content with the ministerial job that the Lord had given him and his people and turning against others in ministry positions that you envy. Although this in itself is probably enough to convict any of us, the part that stood out to me and the Lord spoke to me through was Moses' response above.
Are the things the Lord has set us apart from, to minister in his presence and to his people, and to have intimacy with him not enough? Are these things too small for us?
What a privilege that the Lord to set us apart from the things of this world (the motivations, entertainment, fleshly pursuits, and feeble lives) and separated us from the very congregation we minister to. May we rejoice at the honor and not mourn at the loss of being set apart.
What a privilege that the Lord has allowed us to serve in the tabernacle of the Lord and to stand before the congregation to minister to them. May we never believe this is because of our talents, skills, or abilities, but remain humbled to know it is an honor that will never be earned. May we not neglect the weight and joy of ministering to the lambs of Jesus.
What a privilege that the Lord has brought us near him and near to his community. May the presence of the LORD always be enough. What an honor. May the privilege of his community that he has given us never be taken for granted.
The Lord spoke to me through this passage and encouraged me to continue to seek to be set apart and to be satisfied in his presence alone and in whatever he would ask of me.
I hope this could encourage any of you also.