If God works in patterns . . .

Numbers 16; Psalms 52–54; Isaiah 6; Hebrews 13

This morning I asked God to show me His will for my life today. Then I read Numbers 16 and shuddered. I’ve already heard preachers say that this current pandemic is to warn God’s people, and that God works in patterns. I do not know for certain that the event described in this OT book is a pattern but must consider it. A rough outline . . .

The people are angry with their leader. He was put in place by God yet they challenge his authority. He has no right to tell them what to do. God says, “Separate yourselves from among this congregation that I may consume them in a moment.” (Numbers 16:20) Moses and Aaron interceded. God spared all but judged the leaders of this rebellion. The ground opened and swallowed them. Then the rest of the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron saying they killed these people. At that, a plague began. Aaron interceded but before the plague stopped, 14,700 people died.

All I can say is that grumbling against those who are trying to lead us is not the will of God. Instead, I am to pray for them and do what they say:

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1–4)

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:1–4)

The reading in the Psalms is not cheerful either. Psalm 52 condemns those who love evil more than good and lying more than speaking what is right. Psalm 53 points to the fool who says there is no God and points to God’s rejection of such persons. Psalm 54 is the prayer of David asking God to deliver him from unrighteous enemies who seek his life. It seems that these are also repeating patterns today as the persecution of Christians increases in our world along with an increase in those who reject the very existence of God.

Isaiah cries out as history is repeated in his time; God’s people are rebelling against Him. The prophet says,

“Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5)

And the Lord responds saying that the people will not hear His message. When the prophet asks how long, God says:

“Until cities lie waste without inhabitant, and houses without people, and the land is a desolate waste, and the LORD removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak, whose stump remains when it is felled.” The holy seed is its stump. (Isaiah 6:11–13)

Again, is this a repeating pattern? Many modern preachers are calling out to God’s people to change their ways because they have become complacent and disobedient. I do not want to be one of them!

Hebrews 13 tells me what God expects, a lengthy list of His will for His people. It includes hospitality to strangers, ministry to prisoners and those mistreated; morality in marriage; freedom from the love of money; contentment; relying on God for help; no fear; respect for leaders; sticking to sound teaching; strength from God’s grace; bearing persecution; praising God; doing good; sharing with others; obedience to leaders; praying for others; and relying on Jesus who will “ . . . equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:21)

APPLY: Keep in mind that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He hates sin but will forgive those who repent. Also remember the alternative for those who reject the grace of God. I must rely on His grace, trusting Him to enable and equip me to be an obedient, faithful follower. The challenges of doing His will are great but also great is the goodness and power of the Lord Jesus Christ.