It was inevitable that the Israelites would come to resent Moses’ leadership. It doesn’t matter who a leader is, they will always be resented by someone at some time. Human nature is infected with a disease called ‘tall poppy syndrome’ and it is particularly endemic in Australia. ‘Tall poppy syndrome’ is a resentment of those who ‘grow too high’. It generally takes the appearance of a desire for ‘equality,’ but it is always a symptom of pride. Korah and his friends’ complaint about Moses and Aaron’s leadership sounds convincing: “The whole community of Israel has been set apart by the Lord, and he is with all of us. What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the Lord’s people?” (NLT). They were right in one sense but wrong overall. Yes, all of God’s people are equal in standing before God. However, God raises up leaders to shepherd and guide us in different ways. These leaders play a very important role in our lives. You were not meant to go it alone. As I said a few days ago, God wants to bless us through people. But if we cannot honour those whom God has raised up to bless and guide us then we will be unable to receive what God wants to give us. It takes a lot of humility to submit to an imperfect person. And because humility is such a vital attribute, God will put lots of imperfect leaders in your life so that your humility will get a good work-out.
Think further about whom God is calling you to honour.
Read Numbers 16
