Ersatz Children ∙∙∙
The LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend. – Exodus 33:11
Numbers 16:28-35
And Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things that I have done – for I have not done them on my own. If these men die a natural death, or if nothing unusual happens, then the LORD has not sent me.
But if the LORD does something entirely new and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them and all their belongings, and they go down alive into the grave, then you will know that these men have shown contempt for the LORD.”
He had hardly finished speaking the words when the ground suddenly split open beneath them. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the men, along with their households and all their followers who were standing with them, and everything they owned.
Then fire blazed forth from the LORD.
The Formation and Structure of Icebergs
Each year, more than 10,000 icebergs are formed in the northern hemisphere, originating from the Arctic’s frozen landscapes. These icebergs vary dramatically in size, from as small as a piano to as massive as a 10-story building. Despite their imposing appearance, what we see above the water is only a fraction of their actual size.
Approximately 10% of an iceberg’s total volume is visible above the waterline, while the remaining 90% lies hidden beneath the surface. The visible portion, often referred to as the tip of the iceberg, is composed of low-density snow and ice. Beneath the water, the denser core remains concealed. This phenomenon occurs because the densities of ice and seawater are very close, causing the ice to float low in the water.
The phrase “Tip of the iceberg” has become a metaphor in everyday language, symbolizing situations where only a small, visible part of a larger, hidden reality is apparent. Beneath the surface often lies a much more significant, unseen portion.
The Hidden Motives of Rebellion in Scripture
The Scriptures are replete with accounts of rebellion, envy, and deceit. Often, these actions are not committed by genuine believers but by false brothers and sisters, false teachers, or false apostles, artificial imitations of children of the King. These ersatz followers, artificial and inferior substitutes, often hide their true motives behind superficial justifications.
Sometimes, rebellion and opposition are driven by two layers of motives: the “Stated reason” and the “Hidden reason.” The stated reason is the visible tip of the iceberg, the justification shown to others. The hidden agenda, however, is the deeper, secret motive. It’s usually rooted in selfish ambition, greed, or a desire for power and recognition.
This pattern of self-centered ambition recurs throughout Scripture. Examples include:
Absalom’s defiance of his father, David (2 Samuel 15)
Adonijah’s attempt to seize David’s throne (1 Kings 1)
The disciples’ debate over who was the greatest (Luke 22:44)
Diotrephes’s sinful ambition to dominate his local assembly (3 John 1:9-10)
The Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram
One of the most notable examples of rebellion in Scripture is the story of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, recorded in Numbers. These three individuals challenged Moses and Aaron with arrogance and deceit, questioning their God-given authority.
Korah, in particular, refused to acknowledge that the Father had chosen Moses as His representative and spokesman. Instead, Korah projected his own sinful ambitions onto Moses, accusing him and Aaron of elevating themselves above the rest of the people. Korah publicly argued that leadership should be more inclusive, claiming that others should have a say in guiding Israel. This was his “stated reason,” the visible tip of the iceberg.
However, Korah’s “hidden reason” was far more self-serving. As a Levite, Korah already had significant responsibilities assisting the Aaronic priesthood, but he was not content with his role. He desired more power and recognition, craving the privileges of the priesthood for himself. His ambition to stay in the spotlight and his dissatisfaction with his position ultimately fueled his rebellion.
Numbers 16:10 explains,“The Lord has already given you this special ministry to serve in the Lord’s Tabernacle and to stand before the people to minister to them. Is it not enough for you?”
REFLECT & PRAY
As children of the King, the most important position in life is the one that the Father has prepared for us. In His eyes, character, loyalty, and faithfulness are what truly matter. While status, recognition, wealth, and power may seem significant to people, they do not determine our worth before the Father. Numbers 16:5: “The Lord will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him.”
Father, You alone have the sovereign right to decide who leads and who does not. Your choices are purposeful and wise, calling for our submission and trust in His plan.
INSIGHT
False Apostles and Their Motives
Paul describes his opponents as “false apostles” (pseudapostoloi) and “false brothers” (pseudadelphoi), emphasizing their “deceitful nature and self-serving motives” (2 Corinthians 11:13, 26). In the New Testament era, false apostles, prophets, and teachers (2 Peter 2:1) often resembled the arrogance and ambition of Korah.
Responding to False Leaders
When faced with false accusations and opposition, Numbers 16:4 notes that Moses did not engage in argument or self-defense. Instead, he fell flat on his face before the Father, seeking justice and vindication through prayer. Moses entrusted the matter to the Father, showing humility and reliance on divine intervention.
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram faced a devastating outcome. The Father’s judgment was quick and definitive. The earth opened up beneath them, swallowing them and their families, while fire from heaven finished their destruction. Conversely, Moses, as the Father’s chosen leader and friend, was justified. This serves as a powerful object lesson: arrogance and pride result in failure and ruin, while humility and trusting dependence on the Father are honored.
Proverbs 16:18 asserts that“Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall.”
While James 4:10 shows us the way to honor,“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.”
Rebelling against the Father’s chosen leaders is ultimately rebelling against Him. Challenging His authority or opposing His anointed ones is both foolish and dangerous.
Hebrews 10:31 warns that “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
The Hidden Motives Within
Reflecting on the nature of icebergs, we are reminded that much of what lies beneath the surface remains unseen. Likewise, hidden reasons and secret agendas often lurk within our hearts. Sometimes, we don’t even know our own motives. A person who is deceived doesn’t know they are deceived, and the Scriptures highlight the problem of self-deception.
Jeremiah 17:9-10: “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives.”
The human heart is inherently deceitful, often hiding its darker tendencies. Yet the Father carefully searches the depths of our innermost selves, uncovering the secrets within us. Nothing escapes His sight.
This raises an important question: how can we truly understand the deceptive qualities of our own hearts? Additionally, what actions can we take to eliminate hidden motives and agendas?
The Role of God’s Word in Revealing the Heart
The Word of God is a powerful tool for revealing the hidden layers of our hearts. It goes deep, uncovering our innermost thoughts and desires. Through Scripture, the Father brings to light what is buried within us, helping us confront and address our hidden motives.
Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
Investing time in the Scriptures invites the Father to unveil the truths of our hearts. By engaging with the Word, we gain profound insights into our nature, which equip us to confront and better handle what is uncovered. Through prayer and a heart that is responsive to His guidance, we can address and overcome the hidden motives within.
The story of Korah and his rebellion serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of hidden motives and selfish ambition. Just as the tip of an iceberg conceals a much larger mass beneath the surface, the visible actions of rebellion often mask deeper, self-serving intentions. The Father calls His children to humility, faithfulness, and trust in His sovereign will.
Dr H Reflections 