READ: Numbers 16:1-10
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude…” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
The rebellion of Korah is of particular note because Moses rebuked Korah for his presumption. Presumption is “the arrogant assumption of privilege.” When a person becomes presumptuous, he is too confident in a way that shows a lack of respect.
When people are fortunate to stand in certain places, they often do not realize what a privilege God has bestowed on them. Moses recognized this sin in Korah.
Korah had the privilege of being a Levite and a leader of the congregation.
Yet he spoke the rudest words to Moses the servant of God. “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 you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?” (Numbers 16:3, NASB)
Moses asked him whether he did not cherish the honoured position as a leader of the congregation. He asked him, “Seemeth it a small thing to you?” I realize how people consider privileges as small things. They take them for granted and speak rudely to people who are way above them. This rude speaking is the cardinal sign of the presumptive spirit.