Fall on Your Face

"One Year Bible" Old Testament History Passage
Numbers 15:17-16:40

"So when Moses heard it, he fell on his face."  Numbers 16:4 (NKJV)

Moses was under attack.  Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, were criticising his leadership.  A full rebellion was under foot against Moses.  They were saying things -- exagerrating -- saying that Moses was "exalting himself." 

How do you react when you are attacked?  It is highly unlikely that Moses was completely without error.  How can you lead a few million people without making some mistakes.  The attack was vicious and deadly.  How do you react when such things happen to you?

The Bible says that Moses fell on his face.  I must admit, my reaction might have been somewhat different.  When faced with criticism and anger, most people react in one of two ways.  We either explode with anger -- we get mad at the people who don't like us.  Or, we implode -- we wilt in depression and self-condemnation.  This is the way the flesh usually reacts.  It's either fight or flight.  We lash out at our enemies, or we retreat in quick defeat.  We'd rather just not fight.

Both reactions are usually wrong.  Moses did not lash out at Korah even though he had good reason to.  Nor did he abandon his post in the name of "peace at any price."  He did the one option that all followers of Jesus should do -- he fell on his face before God.

If you meet resistance, do not give up and do not fight back in fleshly wrath.  Fall down before God.  He will tell you the right response.  He will rightly address the problem and handle it in the best way.  You are His instrument to deal with hard issues and hard relationships.  Do not wilt and do not flare up.  God will defend you, and He will do it the right way.