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by Gino Geraci
and perished in the rebellion of Korah (Jude 1:11c)
The word “rebellion” in Jude 1:11 is the Greek word, antilogia. It appears in Jude and in Hebrews 6:16,7:7, and 12:3. It literally means “a speaking against the Word.” In the papyri it has the meaning of strife. Here it has the strong meaning “rebellion.”
We previously looked at Cain and Balaam. They both ignored the word given to them by God; Korah did as well.
Korah was a Levite and a cousin to Moses (Exodus 6:18-21). His story is found in Numbers 16. He believed he did not need a mediator or a priest. After all, he served in the tabernacle and considered himself to be a priest. He dared to think that every man was holy, and that every man can approach a holy God without a mediator (Numbers 16:3). He couldn’t be more wrong! Every person who teaches you can come to God on your own, and that you don’t need a savior, repeats the rebellion of Korah.
Korah's sin was envy. If he were alive today, he might say something like, “What makes you so special Moses? Who made you the grand poobah, the big cheese, the big enchilada? I have just as much right as you to lead, guide and direct the congregation of the Lord!”
Korah failed to acknowledge that the leadership and authority entrusted to Moses was given by God. He rejected the man that God had appointed to be mediator between himself and God. Korah spoke evil of dignities, chosen of God. In rejecting Moses and Aaron, he was rejecting in type, Christ, the only mediator between God and man. Therefore he became in one terrible moment of judgment, a type of all people who would rebel against the Word of God and reject God's offer of salvation. Korah's destiny became a “pit.”
Beware of envy of wanting someone else’s position, power, or control. This doesn’t mean you should never aspire to do other things! God may be calling you into the ministry. He may want to use you as a missionary, a pastor, a teacher, or youth leader. The Lord wants you to recognize, cultivate and develop your spiritual gifts. But rather than saying, “I’ll do whatever I need to do to get that guy’s position,” prove your ministry by your character and conduct (1 Timothy 3:1).
What happened to Korah? The story is told in Numbers 16:31-33. The ground opened up and swallowed him. The rebellion led by Korah resulted in the death of nearly 15,000 of God's people (Num.16:1-35 -50).
The quickest way to a dark, black, bottomless pit is to allow yourself to envy someone’s position, ministry, job, marriage, or life.
© 2007 by Gino Geraci
He has served as a police chaplain for several police departments and currently serves as a Police Chaplain for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department. Gino has provided emergency service support in many national tragedies. He was a first responder at Columbine High School, Ground Zero in New York, and Platte Canyon High School.
Gino has appeared on scores of national and local radio programs as a guest, including television appearances with Lee Stroebel's Faith Under Fire. He currently hosts a daily radio program with Salem Media in Denver, Colorado area.
Gino is a much sought after conference speaker. He has conducted leadership conferences, Bible conferences, and emergency service support conferences with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritans' Purse, Gospel for Asia in India and Sri Lanka, the Bible League in Africa, Food For The Poor in Jamaica, Mike McIntosh Crusades in Mexico, Somebody Loves You Bible Conferences with Raul Ries in Chile, Columbia and Peru, and pastor's conferences in much of the continental United States.
Gino is currently the pastor of Calvary South Denver where he continues to minister, preach, teach, and serve.
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