The story of Aaron's rod teaches us two things. First, that God chooses whom He will. Promotion in the Kingdom of God is not based on our striving or on democratic principles. Second, eternal life comes out of death.

These two ideas are related.

The religious world, like the secular, is filled with envy. The Lord Jesus was murdered because of envy.

You would think that as the leaders of the Jews watched Jesus they would have loved Him. Jesus represents the best the Law has to offer. To love God and other people is the sum of the statutes of Moses and this Jesus does to perfection.

Instead the Pharisees and priests howled for His blood, and then sought to kill Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead. Pretty hard to argue theology with someone Christ raised from the dead!

Satan and his followers are spiritual creatures. In past eons they had lived in the glory and joy of the Lord. They lost the glory and joy because of their self-seeking. Now they attempt to enter the most spiritual congregation they can find in order to experience that which they lost, and if possible to spread their envy and rebellion.

In the churches there are those whom, like Moses and Aaron, God exalts for "no good reason." There are others who are religiously inclined and resent the fact they are not exalted. The personally ambitious folk argue and cause division.

The leaders God has exalted learn to die in the Lord so that eternal life may lift up those around them. They are dead rods but they bud, blossom, and bear eternal fruit—as did the imprisoned Paul.

There are those who also are of rank in the Kingdom but who, like Korah, desire to be number one. They envy God's chosen leaders.

These "mountains of Bashan" are a never-ending problem, as pastors know well. They are always "leaping." But God has chosen Zion.

You can always tell the Korahs. They are not willing to die in the Lord. They get what they want by politics.

Those God has chosen will prevail while they are ducking the stones.

If you are a number two be the best you can be for the Lord. It really doesn't matter whether you are riding in the front chariot or cleaning up behind the horses in the royal parade. Do what you do faithfully and you will be called the friend of God.

Brother, Sister, there is no other reward that compares with being the friend of God!

You will never be happy and fulfilled until you are at rest in the center of God's will.

As for the Korahs, keep your distance if possible. The ground is beginning to shake!