Do you know who the sons of Korah are? Their story is a very real example of grace and redemption to us today.
To explain, we have to start with Korah before we get to the “sons of Korah.” The brief version is this: Korah was in the lineage of Levi. He and a few others rose up against Moses and Aaron along with two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation (Numbers 16). They wanted rights as priests and accused Moses and Aaron of acting like they were running everything instead of acknowledging God’s hand and calling upon them.
The odd thing about this story is that Korah and his family had responsibilities that were considered quite holy. This fact even confused Moses. He said, “Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the Lord, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?” (Numbers 16:9-10).
It’s not a small thing.
One way to understand this story is to pretend Korah “worked at a church” and helped serve communion and minister to people, but actually wanted to be the pastor. The exception is that Korah actually had a very holy responsibility of watching over and protecting the ark of the covenant and other precious items of the tabernacle. Moses accurately asked him, “Is this a small thing to you?” because it shouldn’t have been. It should’ve been an honor.
God wasn’t pleased with Korah’s rebellion either. “Now it came to pass, as [Moses] finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods” (Numbers 16:31-32).
These are the days before Jesus– before grace. God had no choice but to put a stop to the rebellion, lest it travel through the whole congregation.
You would think this would be the end of the name of Korah. But actually, in the Book of Psalms, there are eleven songs written by the “sons of Korah.”
You and I have a choice.
The Bible says Korah and all his household were swallowed up by the earth. The sons of Korah mentioned in the Psalms must have been grown sons who didn’t side with their father. Much like those today who decided they didn’t want to be an addict, an abuser, or an alcoholic. The pull might be strong, but God has given every one of us a choice– we don’t have to repeat the mistakes of those before us.
I have quoted portions of Psalm 46 many times in my prayers, often giving David the credit. But it was the sons of Korah who said, “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” And “Be still and know that [He] is God.”
These words of encouragement have strengthened my heart and faith on numerous occasions. But realizing who wrote these words makes me pause. Psalm 46:1-2 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth give way…”
This is the testimony of the sons of Korah: “Even though the earth swallowed up the rebellion of our father, we will not fear– we will not follow his path. We will follow the Lord God. We choose Him and His love. We choose to forge a new path for our descendants.“
Every time you and I look to God we are doing the same thing.
Even if you had great parents who gave you an example of following God wholeheartedly, somewhere down the line, someone didn’t– and your life is a testimony of grace and redemption because you have stayed the path.
But many of you don’t have that testimony behind you– YOU are choosing it like the sons of Korah. YOU are making a stand with your life now to follow God wholeheartedly. Instead of being ashamed of your past, you have chosen to see it as a line in the sand– where new life began.
God loved the sons of Korah. He gave them a place in His Holy Word. He honored their faithfulness and extended their lineage.
God will do the same for all who choose to trust Him.
Never let the past define you. “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven” — the sons of Korah (Psalm 85:10-11).
