Though it might seem like an obscure line to
comment on, Num 26:11 hits the heart of the entire story of Israel coming into
the Promised Land.
“But the sons of Korah did not die” Num 26:11
You remember Korah right?
Okay, so maybe we all need a little refresher. Back in Numbers 16, Korah
prideful lead a rebellion against Moses thinking of himself more greatly than
he ought. The earth opened and swallowed him up, thus making clear to the
entire people who God had chosen to lead them. And while this was the end of
the story for Korah, it was not the end of the story for his line. So, we find in Numbers 26, as the next season
of life for Israel began this simple line.
Sometimes, it’s the simplest lines in the Bible that remind
us of God’s redemptive power in the scriptures. They stand to remind us that
God can indeed “make beautiful things out of the dust,” as Michael Gungor’s
song goes. These lines tell us that God can take the most embarrassing story,
the most disgusting sin, the most tragic tale in our lives and make it into
something beautiful.
While Numbers 26-27 tells us of Joshua’s success and
faithfulness, it also reminds us in one simple line that God hadn’t forgotten
the failures. The forty years were up and the only ones left alive of the
generation were Moses, Caleb, and Joshua. “But the sons of Korah had not died;”
a statement hope of the next generation.
The story of the “sons of Korah” does not end there. For, as is his
pattern, God uses failures and fools to do great things.
The second book of Psalms, beginning with Psalm 42, contains
a group of Psalms entitled “of the sons of Korah” (Ps 42-49, 84-88). Among
these lines you will find some of the most famous in the Psalms… Line like “as
the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs for you” (Ps 42:1). Or, “Be
still and know that I am God.” (Ps 46:10).
Have you failed? Have you come from a family with a less
than shining history? God loves you and wants to redeem your story. Today, in
you through Jesus, He wants to demonstrate hope for the future by cutting off
the old and blessing you to the thousandth generation!
Father, thank you for your grace today. Draw us to the simple lines that tell us of
your love. Help us to see ourselves in light of your mercy and begin anew like
the sons of Korah.
In Jesus’ name,
