Hebrews 9:1 Then indeed, even the first covenant (Mosaic Law) had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; 3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. 7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance; 8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience-- 10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposeduntil the time of reformation. 11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Placeonce for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood.

Hold on to your seats, because this is first of several passages we need for this lesson. How would you like to cover all that.., in detail..., during one lesson?? Don't pass out, yet. In this series, we will cover all of that and MUCH MORE!

For this lesson, we will see only a few highlights from several passages. By seeing an overview in this manner, it will aid us when we come back for the details, and will allow us to see several truths that can be life changing, IF we choose to apply them to our own lives.

If you listen to the new theologians of today, you would think that God could have, and possibly should have given the information we need to live the Christian life in a few short phrases that can be repeated over and over again. Then by repeating those phrases often enough, the "joy of the Lord" will fill your life, and you can leave the service "walking on a cloud of pleasure".

According to some, it is a waste of time to study all these lengthy passages, and "useless" details. After all, they say, "The understanding of Scriptures is a very personal matter. Plus, you can't really understand the Bible anyway. Therefore, we need to stick with the few basics that all can agree upon."

According to some, it's not what you know about God that matters, it's how you feel about yourself that's the key factor. Of course, as some indicate, that feeling about yourself MUST be good and positive. There is far too much bad in the world as it is, they say. Therefore, you certainly should not walk away from a church service feeling "bad" about yourself or your sins.

I would challenge those that say such things, and those who accept them to look at EVERY passage of Scripture that tells us about some person experiencing the presence of God. After carefully reading each passage, THEN count how many times those who experienced God's presence went away from such a meeting FEELING GOOD about themselves.

I may be out of step with the times, but IF we want to be in step with God, I think we need to stick with God's Word, as God gave it!! We must NOT settle for the new revised condensed version that leaves out all the (so called) useless and unnecessary information that has no application for a truly "happy" life.

God certainly wants us to know the joy of the Lord, but that joy can only be ours, after our lives have been transformed, and we are experiencing a life of holiness. I'm here to tell you, that transformation process is not pleasant, but it does produce "pleasant" results, in those who have been transformed by it.

Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless,afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. 14 Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

I feel sorry for those of the "feel good religious persuasion" when they stand before God's judgment, and try to explain that "feel-good" religious philosophy to God. At that point, their worship service might seem a little lacking in Spiritual quality and power. For you see, the Holy Spirit said in.....

2 Timothy 3:16 AllScripture (not just the "feel-good" passage) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

WHAT MORE COULD A PERSON ASK ?!?! I believe the "ALL Scripture" mentioned here, refers to passages that deal with the details of the Tabernacle, as well as passages that tell us that Jesus came so we might have "All joy". By the way, if you will study "all Scripture", you will see that the "All Joy" enters our life and life-style as we know and apply "All Scriptures".

My friend, there are no unimportant Scripture passages, period!!!! The problem comes when we are in such a hurry that we refuse to compare all Scripture with all Scripture, in order to see its importance and gain its understanding.

Instead, we often just pick out (and out of context) a few verses, or even phrases that seem to support our lifestyle, and say that those isolated verses are the "heart" of what God wanted to say, and the rest are just "filler". Let's look at some of that (so called) "filler", and see if we can find some very relevant and personal messages for our lives today and for eternity.

Hebrews 9:1 Then indeed, even the first covenant (Mosaic Law) had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

We need to see a few details as we "fly-over" this passage. Some of these details, are absolutely necessary, if we are to understand God's eternal plan, AND therefore, God's design for us in our small part of that eternal plan.

The use of the term, the "first" covenant, is not an indication that there were no other covenants before this covenant given to Moses for Israel. Instead, it is "first" in reference to the New Covenant that comes after and replaces the Mosaic Covenant or Law.

The writer is comparing the "Mosaic Covenant" (given first) with the "New Covenant" (given later). We can see that fact not only from a comparison of all Scripture, but from the immediate context of our passage in chapter 9. Let's back up a few verses into chapter 8.

Hebrews 8:7 For if that first covenant (Mosaic Covenant) had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second (New Covenant).

In context, the "first" covenant is the Mosaic Covenant or Law, and the "second" is the New Covenant, that was not established until the death of Christ. Moving down a few verses and leading right into the passage before us in chapter 9.

Hebrews 8:13 In that He says, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. 9:1 Then indeed, even the "first" covenant (Mosaic Law) had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

Over the span of time, there are several covenants established by God with mankind in general or with segments of mankind. Each covenant is a part of, extension of or a clarification of the overall covenant made by God before the foundations of the earth.

Some of these covenants have components that extend into eternity. Some covenants are only for a period of time or a special event. The Mosaic Covenant was fulfilled by Christ in His first coming, and terminates with the beginning of the New Covenant. More on this subject in later lessons.

It is also important to see that the writer never intended to state or indicate that the Mosaic Covenant was the first covenant God ever made, or that it was first in importance.

Hebrews 9:1 Then indeed, even the first covenant (Mosaic Law) had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

It is important to see that the Mosaic Covenant HAD ordinances of divine service and HAD an earthly sanctuary. We will see later that the New Covenant also has ordinances and sanctuaries. However, the Mosaic Covenant WAS NOT ordinances and a sanctuary. Belonging to and associated with this Mosaic Covenant were ordinances and a sanctuary.

That fact may seem unimportant at this stage of our study. But as we move along, it will become all important to our understanding of the keeping of, or our participation in the Mosaic Covenant or Law.

For now, please see that the writer of Hebrews is making a distinction between the Covenant, and the ordinances and sanctuary. Follow along as the writer describes the Tabernacle, its furnishings and in general its service. We will be back, later, to a more detailed study of these ordinances, statutes, etc.

Hebrews 9:2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; 3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

I can sympathize with the writer of Hebrews, for he also had difficulty with the clock when it came to teaching these things, in detail. The writer of Hebrews gives us a quick tour of the tent building called the Tabernacle and its furnishings. I hate to keep saying this, but we will be back for more details on each of these items.

For this lesson, we want to have, in the back of our minds, the general features of the structure, and we will build on those features later. The first room called the Sanctuary, otherwise known as the Holy Place had three articles of furniture in it. Those articles were the Lampstand, the Table of Showbread, and the Altar of Incense.

As pointed out in this passage, the Altar of Incense was associated with the ministry of the Holy of Holies, even though it resided in the first room. In the second room, called the Holiest of All or the Holy of Holies, was the Ark of the Covenant covered by the Mercy Seat.

The priests ministered daily in the Courtyard and the first room of the Tabernacle. Once a year, the High Priest performed a service. That service began in the Courtyard, moved into the Holy Place and finally into the Holy of Holies. This service was performed only once a year, and only by the High Priest.

Hebrews 9:6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. 7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance; 8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.

Only the priests, who came through the line of Aaron, could minister in the Tabernacle. Only the tribe of Levi could have any part in the service of the Tabernacle through upkeep, moving the Tabernacle from place to place, etc. Only at the Tabernacle could sacrifices be made for the sins of the people, and only in the Tabernacle could the presence of God be experienced for the nation.

This was the form of worship available to the Israelites. However, this form of worship was not God's FIRST choice for Israel, but was a result of a very poor choice made by the nation in general. We want to look at that choice, and some of its consequences.

I hope this study will bring a clearer understand to the order of Jewish worship, AND a Spiritual application that:

ALL  CHOICES  HAVE  CONSEQUENCES!!

On our way to see the consequences of this choice by Israel, I want to quickly scan a portion we looked at in the last lesson. Several of you made some very gracious comments concerning the past few lessons. Thank you! Such honest comments are always helpful and appreciated.

Exodus 19:1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. 2 For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Desert of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain. 3 And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. 5 'Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 'And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel." 7 So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the LORD commanded him. 8 Then all the people answered together and said,"All that the LORD has spoken we will do." So Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD.

Look especially at v. 5 & 6. God made an offer. If they would, then God would. For this lesson, notice especially that if they had obeyed His VOICE..., then they would have been a KINGDOM OF PRIESTS. There were other things involved in this offer, but for today, let your mind dwell on those two things.

As we know and will see in this lesson, they refused the offer, and only part of one tribe became priests. I don't know how God would have worked out the worship and service details, if all the people were a KINGDOM OF PRIESTS. That was God's problem, and I'm sure He had it all planned. This we do know! Each of those Israelites would have had the privilege to minister in the presence of God and see His glory,

If they had chosen to accept God's first offer.

If they had accepted the offer, would there have been a Tabernacle??? I don't know!! The point is that each person in that nation would have been able to minister, serve and fellowship in the presence of God.

In the God given record of these events, only one chapter passes before we see the nation, as a whole, refusing to obey God's voice. As a matter of fact, they would not even LISTEN to His voice, to say nothing of obeying.

Please pardon my constant reference to the "voice" of God. However, if you miss these little (so called) "filler" items, you will probably miss God's message and have to make up your own message. NOT a good idea!!!! Once again, let's review a passage from the last lesson.

Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's." 18 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19 Then they said to Moses, "You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die." 20 And Moses said to the people, "Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." 21 So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.

Before we look again at their refusal to obey God, look at another factor in God's offer. Moses reminds them of what God intended to do for them, if they would stay in His presence.

First, there need not be any "fear", or literally panic. Along with other things, by being in God's presence they would be tested, and then they would have a proper "fear", or respect of God.

When a person stands outside of God's presence, their respect or opinion of God will usually be that His is a God of Judgment, OR that His is a God of mushy-non-just love.

The Israelites, like so many of us, did not choose to abide in God:
(1) At first they saw Him only as a God of Judgment. Therefore, they were gripped with panic.
(2) Later they saw Him as a God of indulgence or indifference. Therefore, they turned to other forms of religious practice.

These facts have always been true in lives, since Adam and Eve to this very day. We MUST abide in Him. Only there will we find our lives properly tested and transformed so we will have proper fear and not sin, as stated in v. 20, "that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." This has always been, and still is the heart's desire of God.

1 John 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

1 John 2:24 Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.

1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. 28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears,

we may have confidence

and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

NOTICE!!!! The constant reference to the "voice" of God in these passages. In these passages that "voice" is not direct, as it was on Mount Sinai, but it is the "voice" or Word of God, none the less.

There is no way of abiding in Christ, apart from the Word of God becoming an active part of our entire life-style. If we want to know the life of less sin here on earth, and experience real confidence when we appear before Him in heaven, THEN we need to abide in Him, by having "all Scripture" (the Word of God) applied to and living in our lives.

Test = (Hebrew) Put to proof; To attempt or to venture. In most usages, this word has the idea of testing the quality of something through demonstration in order to improve. Such as a time-trial in a race.

1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith-- the salvation of your souls.

What a sad, sad story!!!  

Both then, as well as now.  

They were so close 

and 

we are so close.

So close to being in The Testing Laboratory of God's Presence. It was in that The Testing Laboratory, that they could have been purified from sin, and energized with Spiritual life from God.

Instead, they were content to have someone else experience the presence of God, in their place. Then they wanted that substitute to come before them, and perform or restate what God said.

Sound familiar???????????

Most of our so called worship is just that, so called. A performance by a few..., while the rest watch from afar. NO! I do not question the sincerity or motive. But the reality still remains ---- sinful mankind DOES NOT feel comfortable in the presence of God.

We would much rather hear the experience of someone who thinks they have experienced God's presence. Or worse, we would rather hear and see someone demonstrate what they THINK the presence of God might be like.., if they ever found that presence.

Oh, yes! Through such demonstrations, we may see the lightning, hear the thunder.. and IF you don't hear the thunder.., we'll turn the amps up a little. BUT how many have PERSONALLY experience the presence of God, and receive His cleansing, so they will not sin?????

By the way, the thundering and lightening are not wrong, UNLESS, they becomes a substitute for the personal presence of God, AND IF we are not content to stand afar off, and experience only the external demonstration of God's presence.

The Israelites, like us, could have been in the presence of God. God had come to them. God is here today!! Oh, so very near!! BUT the people then "stood afar off". Where will you stand???? They "stood afar off", out of the presence of God-- by choice! They missed that glorious presence, while Moses "drew near". By the way, Moses was changed by the presence of God. Even his face glowed when he came away from God's presence. (Yes, more on that later.)

Let's follow the results of this choice, by Israel, a little further. Please be aware!! The results we look at today are only a small portion of the full scale results brought about by this wrong choice.

Exodus 32:1 Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, "Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." 2 And Aaron said to them, "Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me." 3 "So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf. Then they said, "This is your god, O Israel that brought you out of the land of Egypt!" , (they created a lie that they knew to be false. c.f. v. 1) 5 So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, "Tomorrow is a feast to the LORD." 6 Then they rose early on the next day, (there will almost always be greater furrier and dedication to a false god than the One they left) offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 7 And the LORD said to Moses, "Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. 8 "They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, 'This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!' " 9 And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and indeed it is a stiff-necked people!

God wanted to make them a KINGDOM OF PRIESTS. IF they had EACH been a priest, serving in the presence of God, there would not have been the idle time to engage in these sins.

There are many lessons and applications here. We could linger here for several lessons and never exhaust those truths. But for this lesson, see that only 40+ days have passed since seeing the results of God's presence, BUT never experiencing that presence.

The outward evidences of God's person can cause a dramatic experience, but ONLY the personal presence of God can bring personal transformation in a human life. The "natural" human is FAR more impressed and desires "drama", rather than transformation. Drama is performed by another, while we watch. Transformation takes place within the life. It is a personal experience.

In that short time, only about 40 days from experiencing the outward evidences of God, the Israelites had not only engaged in sins of the lowest degree, they have totally turned from their God. In this event, we see one of the results of that very bad choice made by Israel, earlier.

We've all experienced it. You know, a person was just in church two weeks ago, BUT look at them NOW!!! How could a person go to church, then turn around and do such awful things???? If we are not constantly walking in the light as He is in the light, we WILL be walking in sin.

By the way, it isn't the preaching or the type of service that changes lives. These people at Mount Sinai had a pretty good preacher, Moses. That service was awesome, loud AND it had lighting effects unknown to mankind! None the less, even though they were close to the presence of God, they missed it by just a little, but a miss is as good as a mile. You are either in the presence of God, OR you are not. It is the presence of God that changes lives. BUT we resist change.

God told Moses to "step aside", and let Him kill all those Israelites, but Moses interceded for them. By the way, the fact that others intercede for us, very possibly, keeps the hand of God from destroying us, also.

This account is FULL of shadows and examples of real Spiritual value to us!! Maybe later. We must move on, because we are being pushed by the clock. Let's pick up the story after Moses came down from the Mount, and had his conference with the "Assistant Pastor", Aaron

Exodus 32:24 "And I (Aaron) said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them break it off.' So they gave it to me, and I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out." 25 Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained (for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among their enemies), 26 then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, "Whoever is on the Lord's side, let him come to me." And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. 27 And he said to them, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Let every man put his sword on his side, and go in and out from entrance to entrance throughout the camp, and let every man kill his brother, every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.' " 28 So the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And about three thousand men of the people fell that day. 29 Then Moses said, "Consecrate yourselves today to the LORD, that He may bestow on you a blessing this day, for every man has opposed his son and his brother."

More consequences of that very bad choice. This account points out the consequences of some proper choices, also. We can't take the time to read all the account at this time, but that act of dedication by the tribe of Levi was one of the factors in God's appointing that tribe as the caretakers of the Tabernacle, and choosing from of their midst the priests.

It would be good, if each of you would read the entire account in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy as well as the other references to this account throughout the Scriptures. For the sake of time, we must move on to the next consequence of this bad choice.

Numbers 16:1 Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men; 2 and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men of renown. 3 They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?" 4 So when Moses heard it, he fell on his face; 5 and he spoke to Korah and all his company, saying, "Tomorrow morning the LORD will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him; that one whom He chooses He will cause to come near to Him. 6 "Do this: Take censers, Korah and all your company; 7 "put fire in them and put incense in them before the LORD tomorrow, and it shall be that the man whom the LORD chooses shall be the holy one.

These were not BAD men. They were the community-type -- the bankers, lawyers, doctors, business men -- the hard working men of the community. However, they were not satisfied with the "position" given them by God.

They wanted the  "PRIESTHOOD"................,  ALSO!

BUT  they were not willing

to give up their lifestyle,

and accept the responsibility and make the sacrifice.

This was the very thing God had offered them in the first place. However, they refused to pay the price to become what God wanted for them, EVEN though it was what each of them wanted, deep down in their hearts.

Aaron and his descendants had received the priesthood. They received this honor, not because they were BETTER than the rest of people. It was because of God's appointment, their willingness to accept the responsibility and pay the price.

I'm sure it's never happens here at MBF, but at some of those other churches, it happens regularly. There are those who say something like, "I don't know why he has a right to do that, or who does she think she is. Just because he's the pastor and she is his wife, doesn't mean that they are better than the rest of us!"

It's not a matter of being better or worse. It's a matter of God's calling and appointment, along with the willingness to accept the responsibility and pay the price.

If you want to be the pastor of MBF or a pastor anywhere, then...
(1) You need to make sure of your calling from God for such a position.
(2) You must be willing to pay the price in time, effort, salary, preparation, etc.
(3) You must be willing to accept the responsibility and the consequences of such a position.
(4) There are other areas also, but these give a good starting place for any who desire such a position.

If you want to be a pastor's wife, here or anywhere.... Well.., I guess you had better marry a pastor. All kidding aside, there needs to be the same willingness on the part of a pastor's wife, as the pastor. Without an equal willingness of the wife, the pastor will be anything but effective in the ministry of the New Covenant. My wife is as much a part of the ministry, as I am.

By the way, there are also requirement for a deacon, as well as his wife. We could launch a very profitable study in this area, but I hope this short mention has given you some direction for your private study.

The point we want to see from this is:

If God makes an offer and you refuse it,  

DON'T  

try to "force" Him to give you the "benefits" of the offer,  

EVEN  

though you rejected it.

There is much more in these accounts. I'm sure you will see many other applications that you can eagerly apply to your life, if you will go back and carefully read them over and over again, AND allow the Holy Spirit to teach from them, by comparing Spiritual with Spiritual.

Numbers 16:8 Then Moses said to Korah, "Hear now, you sons of Levi: 9 "Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; 10 "and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also? 11 "Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD. And what is Aaron that you murmur against him?" 12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, but they said, "We will not come up! 13 "Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land (Egypt) flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, that you should keep acting like a prince over us? 14 "Moreover you have not brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up!"

Numbers 16:19 And Korah gathered all the congregation against them at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the congregation. 20 And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 21 "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment." 22 Then they fell on their faces, and said, "O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and You be angry with all the congregation?" 23 So the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 24 "Speak to the congregation, saying, 'Get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.' " 25 Then Moses rose and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he spoke to the congregation, saying, "Depart now from the tents of these wicked men! Touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins."

Numbers 16:31 Then it came to pass, as he finished speaking all these words, that the ground split apart under them, 32 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the men with Korah, with all their goods. 33 So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the congregation. 34 Then all Israel who were around them fled at their cry, for they said, "Lest the earth swallow us up also!" 35 And a fire came out from the LORD and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering incense.

Numbers 16:36 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 37 "Tell Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, to pick up the censers out of the blaze, for they are holy, and scatter the fire some distance away. 38 "The censers of these men who sinned against their own souls, let them be made into hammered plates as a covering for the altar. Because they presented them before the LORD, therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel." 39 So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers, which those who were burned up had presented, and they were hammered out as a covering on the altar, 40 to be a memorial to the children of Israel that no outsider, who is not a descendant of Aaron, should come near to offer incense before the LORD, that he might not become like Korah and his companions, just as the LORD had said to him through Moses.

41 On the next day

all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron, saying, "You have killed the people of the LORD."

Will we  NEVER  learn?!?!?!?!?

I'm glad God said that the things that happened to them were for our examples, so we would not repeat their transgressions. If God used this method of correction every time someone in the church tried to "get" a position given by God to someone else, well...., the church would probably be quite empty.

Even if there is no such dramatic type of response to poor choices, you must remember.... "that whatever a person sows, that is what they will reap" -- Now and in eternity.