Necessary Controversy
They assembled together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “You have gone far enough, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is in their midst; so why do exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” Numbers 16:3 NASB
Against – The story of Korah and his followers is a critical part of Torah. God’s instructions for living come in all kinds of forms: poetry, narrative, history and legislation. This bit happens to be instruction in the form of an historical account, but it is instruction nevertheless. Korah attempts to usurp Moses’ authority, but not on the basis of disagreement over interpretation of God’s word. Korah argues that he and his followers have just as much right to power as Moses and Aaron, simply because they are also members of God’s chosen people. In other words, Korah’s concern is with power, not calling. He does not debate Moses about the meaning of God’s command. He merely claims that it isn’t fair – to him – that he is treated differently.
The sages pay a good deal of attention to this story. After all, the result of Korah’s rebellion changes the priesthood forever. They comment: Any controversy for the sake of Heaven will in the end be preserved; and that not for the sake of Heaven will not in the end by preserved.[1] This advice is appropriate for all of us, especially for Christians who are divided over doctrinal issues. Berkson notes: “The story of Korah also illustrates that the critical tradition within Judaism was limited, as its starting point was an acceptance of the authority of Torah – even though the correct interpretation of Torah is left open to debate.”[2] Perhaps we should ruminate on that statement. What Berkson is suggesting is that the sages accepted Torah as the inviolable word of God. They never questioned the authenticity and veracity of the text. But they constantly debated the meaning of the text. In spite of long disagreements about the meaning of the text, they almost never broke fellowship with each other. Why? Because they absolutely agreed about two things: Torah is God’s word – not Man’s, and men have limited understanding when it comes to God’s word. No one sees perfectly, therefore, everyone is capable of mistakes. I might adamantly disagree with your interpretation of the text. I might have all the verses to prove my point. I might show you the cultural setting, the linguistic evidence and the historical proof. But I might still be wrong. God knows what the text means. I can do my best to understand it, but only He knows all that the text means. By the way, that is true of any author. Only the author knows everything he intended to communicate in his message.
What does this mean for us? It means that we always leave room for learning something new. It means we don’t close the door on further debate. It does not mean that everyone is right. It means that we could all be wrong. So we commit ourselves to loving God and caring for each – and vigorously debating all the rest.
Topical Index: Korah, controversy, debate, Pirke Avot 5:20, Numbers 16:3
And we return (once again) to: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity ” St. Augustine would make a believer out of me!” I believe he is right!- but still beware of any man’s “opinion” including my own!
What we all need to know is “what do the scriptures say?” not what does Carl think.. or a quote from (even) St. Augustine! or Mother Theresa or Ben Franklin! What does the word of God have to say about (any) matter,situation, circumstance, emotion- I’ll agree with (confess) what our Savior said: “(Carl) you do err, not knowing the scripture nor the power of God..”.
~ And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus ~ (2 Timothy 3.15)
~and without controversy- great is the mystery of godliness..~ “without controversy?” lol!
But again.. “what do the scriptures say?” (it is written!) – “the word of the LORD endures forever”
Skip, You got it right. There are some Christian groups that are a delight to have a disagreement with, because after the talk is over, they’ll break out the cigars and red wine, share them with you, then invite you back next week. 🙂
I have a very special rabbi friend who does exactly that.
Thanks Skip his word answers my previous question re yesterday’s word. “”We all See in Part,Know in Part and Prophesy in Part”” only HOLY SPIRIT as Full Knowledge of The Word and HE DOES NOT SPEAK ON HIS OWN BUT ONLY WHAT HE HEARS. ”John 16 ::13-15″”
GOD BLESS
Gerald M.
“What does this mean for us? It means that we always leave room for learning something new. It means we don’t close the door on further debate. It does not mean that everyone is right. It means that we could all be wrong. So we commit ourselves to loving God and caring for each – and vigorously debating all the rest.”
We have a few sayings in our little fellowship.
1. “We’re so happy and grateful to discover we are wrong” and
2. “Nobody is wrong all the time”
Amen Pam, Amen!
I’ve always thought this guide is a good one. Thought i’d share it.
The Biblical Heritage Center’s Informed Believer’s Primary Guideline.
“My Belief System will be large enough to include all of the facts;
I will be open enough to allow it to be tested;
and I will be flexible enough to change it
when I become aware of errors or new facts.”
of errors or new facts.”
Created by Jim Myers circa 1988
Merely excellent, Skip! 🙂
~ Only the author knows everything he intended to communicate in his message ~
Permission to alter this slightly? ~ Only the Author knows everything He intended to communicate in His message ~
Would this be a “game-changer?” Who is the Author of the scriptures and do the scriptures (His words) have “authority” in our lives? Is God able to communicate (or reveal) to His own- His own word?
May we say (and know) – “Yes, He said that?” or “the word of God says” or “what do the scriptures say?” Does God still speak to His own children (today)- and is God “able” to communicate His message of deliverance/salvation/reconciliation through these words we “study” (and sometimes debate) day after day?
According to our Bible, (and it is “our Bible” for it is written for anyone to read) ~ All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;that the man of God may be ártios (“ready-because-prepared”), fully equipped (exērtismenos) to every good work ~ (2 Timothy 3.17)
If this is true, (and, of course – it is) “all” scripture in inspired by God (theopneustos-God-breathed) , may we then say Genesis is every bit as “God-breathed” as Galatians? Exodus as well as Ephesians? And again, ~ the prophecy came not by the will of man in the ancient times, but when holy men of God spoke, being compelled by the Holy Spirit ~ (2 Peter 1.21)
Were Moses, Elijah and David (who were all flesh and blood humans) all “compelled by the Holy Spirit?”
We have not feared to speak of God or Jesus, but what about the Holy Spirit? ~ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you ~ (John 14:17) and again (seemingly harsh words but..) ~ if a man does not have The Spirit of The Messiah in him, this one does not belong to Him ~ (Romans 8.9)
He lives with you and will be in you.. – this, in the very least – is no small thing!
Then,
Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire,
let us Thine influence prove;
Source of the old prophetic fire,
Fountain of life and love.
Come, Holy Ghost, (for moved by Thee
the prophets wrote and spoke),
unlock the truth, Thyself the key,
unseal the sacred Book.
Expand Thy wings, celestial Dove,
brood o’er our nature’s night;
on our disordered spirits move,
and let there now be light.
God, through the Spirit we shall know
if Thou within us shine,
and sound, with all Thy saints below,
the depths of Love divine.
(Charles Wesley)
Skip, I believe this was summed up in these 22 words:
“Rather, speaking the truth in love,
we are to grow up in every way into Him
who is the head, into Christ.” Eph. 4:15 <
🙂 this smile is for everyone !
Carl, I always appreciate the hymns you post! I didn't know these lyrics you showed us today.
But have long prayed some of the lines before reading my Bible!
Isn't that something, –I don't know by whom or when I was taught it, but no matter, long ago it
became MY prayer.
"Unlock the truth, Thyself the key, unseal these sacred Words."
“Unlock the truth, Thyself the key, unseal these sacred Words.”
He truly is the “Key to the Kingdom,”and the Golden Key to understanding the scriptures. ~Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures ~ (Luke 24.27) As He stood before Pilate for examination- a very poignant and pointed question from Pilate- What is Truth? When I think of this, I smile- knowing “Truth” was standing right in front of him yet Pilate was blind to see it. Was it not our LORD Himself who said, “I AM the Way-the Truth and the Life? (John 14.6) Truth is not a precept- it is a Person and He has invited “whosoever will” to draw near.
Isn’t the rebellion of Korah supposed to mirror Lucifer’s rebellion in heaven? I thought I heard that before, and it makes sense.