Rebels and Leaders
And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. – Numbers 16:48
The book of Numbers tells of Aaron and Miriam’s rebellion against Moses (chapter 12), and in chapter 16 Korah, Dathan and Abiram do the same. This is part of fallen human nature: it happens in our churches today all the time. In Numbers God is seen to be against those who would set themselves up in leadership against those whom He has appointed.
God chooses leaders carefully, those who will care for the flock as is evident with Moses, and again with a chastened Aaron. Moses pleads for the people, and Aaron actually stands between the dead and the living, making an offering for their sin.
Pastors have a twofold role with rebels. Whilst firmly standing against any who would try to take leadership upon themselves by any type of force they must also be those who will genuinely seek the welfare of their flock, even those who injure them by their actions. This is why we must never lay hands on anyone hastily (1 Timothy 5:22).