POWER STRUGGLE

Power Struggle

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit
before a fall” (Prov. 16:18, NKJV).

WHY? Why? Why!
M. Ann Shillingford, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
Introduction
Numbers 16;
Prov. 8:13;
James 3:16

The flowers were budding, the birds were chirping, and his bank account was bulging. Julian reflected on his life as he sped down the highway in his brand-new Porsche Carrera GT. He had it all: a luxurious car, a gorgeous home in Hillsborough, sports watches, European designer watches, and one could hardly miss his precious Rolex collection. His young wife represented the very definition of beauty.

“I did the work. Why should the boss get the glory?”

As a high-powered attorney, he had the most efficient administrative assistant and partners who thought he was the best. One would have thought he would be satisfied, but Julian was far from it. The one thing that really bothered him was that he was not the boss. He often fantasized of the strategic decisions he would make if only he were in charge. “Why can’t folks see that I am qualified? Didn’t I just last week successfully complete a million-dollar merger? I did the work.
Why should the boss get the glory? Why can’t I be number one? Why, why, why?” Julian complained.

Galatians 5:26 says, “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (NKJV). Although Julian had much, he was still envious of his superior’s status. His greed and pride caused him to overlook the blessings of his life and to focus instead on what others had that he didn’t.

Julian’s situation is like the story of Korah in the book of Numbers. He was placed in an esteemed position among the Israelites. However, he could not fathom that God could appoint Moses and Aaron as leaders. He felt that he could do a better job. In the end, he and all he owned and associated with succumbed. The earth opened up, and they were swallowed (Num. 16:31, 32).

Just like Korah, Julian lost it all. You see, he was so focused on what he did not have, that he failed to reflect upon the blessings that were bestowed upon him.

How often have you looked on the actions of others to determine your own worth? God detests pride and abhors jealousy. It’s important to base our security and contentment on the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. Proverbs 3:6 says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (NKJV). God want us to reflect upon Him and His goodness, and when we do, He will show us the unique path that He has set for each one of us.



Conquering the Enemy
Nafeesa Alexander, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Logos
Gen. 17:10–17; Numbers 16; 17; Josh. 4:3–9;
Matt. 26:6–13; Luke 22:19

The Promise (Gen. 17:10–17)

“Yesterday has a meaning for today.”

Genesis 17:10–17 gives a brief description of God’s covenant to Abraham and his descendants. God tells Abraham that he and his children will inherit the Promised Land. The Lord also goes on to say that not only is the promise for people who are related to Abraham through birth, but also to those who keep the covenant of the Lord. God then says that those who are part of Abraham’s family but who refuse to do what God instructs will not be considered heirs to the promise. In the New Testament, the Lord tells of those who will be cut off and those who will be grafted into the Vine (Jesus Christ) because of their faith in the Word. We can be heirs to the promise when we remember God, His Son, and all They have done for us.

The Result of Rebelling (Numbers 16; 17)
In Numbers we read about the enemy that entered the Israelite camp through three men (Numbers 16; 17). Through the rebellion of Korah, thousands of people had to be killed. Through the events in these two chapters, we learn that God warns us to be positively influenced and that we, in turn, are to be a positive influence. He warns us to be careful of the company we keep. Here we plainly see how thousands of people were destroyed because they allowed the evil seed that was planted in their hearts through one man to grow. To save the remaining Israelites, God destroyed the tree at its very root. He had to stop the spread of the disease to save the faithful. Just a pinch of leaven can be leaven for the whole batch. Just a little sin can spread like a spark.
“Had the rebellion of Korah succeeded at that time the result would have been the worst kind of chaos, and God’s plan for Israel would have been dealt a retardingly disastrous blow.”1

Remembering the Lord’s Deliverance (Josh. 4:3–9)
In Joshua 4:3–9, God taught the children of Israel to conquer the enemy by staying focused on He who gives life. In order to remember that it was the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, He had them remove 12 stones from the middle of the river and build an altar to Him.
Today, the Lord still teaches us to keep our eyes on Him. The world talks about self-esteem and self-improvement. However, when our sole focus becomes ourselves, then we easily become selfish and self-centered. God wanted to prevent the Israelites from thinking that Joshua and they were able to do everything and anything. Instead, He wanted them to remember that He was their leader and the One who had brought them out of Egypt.

“God will not permit the past to be forgotten. Yesterday has a meaning for today. Nations have strength in so far as they recall the experiences of the past. . . . The Hebrew people were always thrown back upon ‘I am the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob.’ ”2

Remembering Jesus as the Sacrifice (Matt. 26:6–13; Luke 22:19)
In an attempt to reprimand the woman who anointed Jesus, one of the disciples tried to belittle what she did. However, Jesus said that wherever the gospel would be preached, there would be her story.

“Mary’s gift would shed its fragrance, and hearts would be blessed through her unstudied act. Kingdoms would rise and fall; the names of monarchs and conquerors would be forgotten; but this woman’s deed would be immortalized upon the pages of sacred history. Until time should be no more, that broken alabaster box would tell the story of the abundant love of God for a fallen race.”3

During the Last Supper, Jesus wanted His disciples to again focus on Him through the symbolism of the Passover food—the bread, His body; the wine, His blood. When His disciples down through the ages participate in Communion, they are remembering His sacrifice in a very special way. Such remembering helps to conquer our enemy, Satan.

REACT
1. In what ways are you remembering the goodness of the Lord?
2. How can you better serve the Lord and show your gratitude for what He has done?
____________
1. George Arthur Buttrick, ed., The Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 2. (Nashville, Tenn.: Abingdon, 1953), p. 222.
2. Ibid., pp. 568, 569.
3. The Desire of Ages, p. 563.



Conflict in the Wilderness
Evadne E. Ngazimbi, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
Testimony
Num. 16:30−33

“Men of power are those who have been opposed, baffled, and thwarted. By calling their energies into action, the obstacles they meet prove to them positive blessings. . . . Conflict and perplexity call for the exercise of trust in God, and for that firmness which develops power.”1

Moses was such a man of power. He showed that he trusted God, although he might have been tempted several times to give up on the children of Israel.

“Conflict and perplexity call for the exercise of trust in God.”

Despite warnings from Moses that God would destroy the rebels, the rebellion continued after more than 14,000 people perished from a plague. By communing with God, Moses was able to ask the children of Israel to bring the rods of the representatives from the 12 tribes, with Aaron’s rod among them, to find out who was chosen to lead the children of Israel. Even when Aaron’s rod sprouted some buds to show he was God’s chosen leader, the rebellion continued.

“In the rebellion of Korah is seen the working out, upon a narrower stage, of the same spirit that led to the rebellion of Satan in heaven. It was pride and ambition that prompted Lucifer to complain of the government of God, and to seek the overthrow of the order which had been established in heaven. Since his fall it has been his object to infuse the same spirit of envy and discontent, the same ambition for position and honor, into the minds of men. He thus worked upon the minds of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, to arouse the desire for self-exaltation and excite envy, distrust, and rebellion. Satan caused them to reject God as their leader, by rejecting the men of God’s appointment. Yet while in their murmuring against Moses and Aaron they blasphemed God, they were so deluded as to think themselves righteous, and to regard those who had faithfully reproved their sins as actuated by Satan.

“Do not the same evils still exist that lay at the foundation of Korah’s ruin? . . . Like Korah and his companions, many, even of the professed followers of Christ, are thinking, planning, and working so eagerly for self-exaltation that in order to gain the sympathy and support of the people they are ready to pervert the truth, falsifying and misrepresenting the Lord’s servants, and even charging them with the base and selfish motives that inspire their own hearts.”2
____________
1. Messages to Young People, p. 194.
2. Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 403, 404.



The Laodicean Church
Norma P. Brown, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Evidence
Exod. 20:13;
Esther 6:1;
Matt. 26:59;
Rev. 3:14–22

This week’s lesson is concerned with a power struggle pitting Korah, Dathan, and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. The struggle for power is apt to rear its head in all relationships. Why do we have people killing one group or another in the name of religion? Clearly it is stated, in Exodus 20:13, a Ten Commandment law, “You shall not murder” (NKJV). Where is there evidence that God wants us to kill in the name of religion?

Who will speak up for the unbelievers of this world?

Haman did not have any evidence against Mordecai. So why did he want to execute him? Haman was filled with jealousy. Haman planned to execute Mordecai because he did not bow to him. Providence, however, intervened that night. Read Esther 6.

Even the Sanhedrin sought to find evidence to discredit Jesus, the Son of God. Read Matthew 26:59.

Who will speak up for the unbelievers of this world? Will Christians today still be looking for evidence to follow the working of the Holy Spirit before they go out and tell people about Christ’s return? Or will they be found wanting and lacking in faith and zeal? There is coming a time when the King of the universe will show all of His evidence concerning good and evil. Will there be a power struggle then?

The Bible speaks about the Laodicean church in Revelation 3:14–22. Ellen White wrote about this church: “Those who will not act when the Lord calls upon them, waiting for more certain evidence, and more favorable opportunities, will walk in darkness, for the light will be withdrawn. The evidence given one day, if rejected, may never be repeated.”*

What a power struggle there will be when Jesus stands up against Satan, the enemy of our souls, as he tries to prove that we deserve condemnation.

REACT
1. What evidence is there in your life that there is a power struggle between good and evil?
2. What can you do to be free of that struggle?
____________
*The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, September 16, 1873.



The Art of Letting Go
Gloria Bell-Eldridge, Beaufort, South Carolina, U.S.A.
How-to
Prov. 3:5, 6

The art of letting go is often accomplished by the act of holding on—letting go of your thoughts, your will, and your way, and holding on with both hands to God’s promises, His will, and His way.

A power struggle is a choice.

From the time we first pedaled our Big Wheel® or tricycle alone until that solo drive in the car, the sense of control and power hits us, and we relish that feeling. We are allowed to steer, but God is waiting and wanting to navigate. If power struggles develop over an issue and we feel we know the best route, but the signs indicate another direction, we may fight to hold on to our plans when letting go would end the battle. It’s like purchasing a GPS system but stopping frequently to check the map or ask for directions. A struggle requires two opposing views. By letting go, we become free to hear and heed divine direction. One may let go by doing the following:

Determine God’s will through prayerful Bible study (Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 2:15). When you let go, God’s Word becomes your safety net. Make the Bible personal by following a reading plan. Begin with a favorite passage.

Decide to follow God’s way by daily surrendering your life to Him (Ps. 37:5;
1 Cor. 15:31). A power struggle is a choice. Your daily, hourly, or moment-by-moment decision can be to allow God to navigate. “To place little confidence in one’s own understanding does not mean that a man must lay aside intelligence and give up the power of choice. Intelligence is needed to determine from the Word of God and from God’s guiding providences what is the divine will. A will strengthened and cleansed by God is needed if one is to follow a true course through to the end.”1

Delight in the joys of God, and find joy in the freedom that comes when we allow His GPS system to take control (Ps. 1:2; 119:143). “He who is following the divine guidance has found the only true source of saving grace and real happiness, and has gained the power of imparting happiness to all around him.”2

Demonstrate your commitment. Act as if you are letting go until letting go actually occurs. Where do you need to begin your “letting go” journey?
____________
1. The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 956.
2. Messages to Young People, p. 264.



Getting Through the Rough Waves
Dora Desamour, Lawrenceville, Georgia, U.S.A.
Opinion
Isa. 41:10

Ocean waves are fascinating to watch. They can be so powerful yet so calm. At first, they may appear to be somewhat quiet and nonthreatening. In actuality, however, there are many currents beneath that are waiting to spurt to the surface.

This same pattern parallels the Christian journey both individually and collectively. Just as one “reaches” the mountaintop of their Christian journey, struggles become an inherent part of the descent. Struggles do not discriminate against one’s origin, age, occupation, creed, or gender. God’s people have always gone through struggles, and, as a result, many of them have become stronger Christians.

The answers to life often lie within the rough waves.

Internal struggles within the church also can be very disheartening. King David experienced this firsthand. Read Psalm 55:12–14. Even today there are similar struggles. Samantha is a recent convert in the church. She is zealous for God and wants nothing more than to serve Him. Church leadership noted her enthusiasm, and within a short time and proper training, she now holds esteemed positions within her congregation. It was challenging, especially as a college student, but she trusted God and she excelled. Her peers, however, thought differently. They made snide comments and remarks. They even jeered her for trying to get to the kingdom through good works. Samantha became discouraged and started questioning God.

Ellen White counseled, “Whenever the message of truth comes home to souls with special power, Satan stirs up his agents to start a dispute. . . . Whenever a good work is begun, there are cavilers ready to enter into dispute over forms or technicalities, to draw minds away from the living realities. When it appears that God is about to work in a special manner for His people, let them not be enticed into a controversy that will work only ruin of souls.”*

We should not be surprised when the struggles start within. The answers to life often lie within the rough waves. When the sea of life turns calm once more, we realize that we have gained new perspectives.
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*The Desire of Ages, p. 396.



Let Go and Let God
Pat Humphrey, Keene, Texas, U.S.A.
Exploration
Prov. 3:5, 6
CONCLUDE

Love for position and power seems to be a characteristic of human nature. Throughout the Bible, and all around us today, we can find numerous instances of people whose desire to be first led them away from God. He has a plan for each of our lives, and that plan doesn’t necessarily include being at the top of the ladder or being recognized as a person of prestige. When we allow God to lead in our lives and learn to be content in giving Him our best service—no matter where or how He directs—we will find true happiness.

CONSIDER
•Keeping a journal of Bible texts, conversations, and experiences in which God
seems to be leading you or providing an answer that you have been seeking.
•Interviewing respected members of your church who impress you as being
humble, yet gifted. Have them tell you their secrets for staying humble.
•Praying the prayer, “Search me, O God . . .” found in Psalm 139:23, 24,
and asking Him to show you if there are areas of rebellion or pride in your life
you need to surrender to Him.
•Observing in nature the order with which God’s creatures and the natural
world function. Also note what happens when events or circumstances disrupt that order.
•Discussing with a friend any applications you might make regarding God’s desire for your place in the scheme of things relating to your education, church, work, or family.
•Looking through your music collection to find a song that deals with surrendering to God’s will or allowing Him to lead in your life. Memorize the words and sing it often.
•Thinking about situations around you, either at church, at work, at home, or at school, in which you see a power struggle taking place or developing. Brainstorm ways in which you might be able to provide helpful Christian counsel. (In some situations, prayer might be your best approach.)

CONNECT
Ruby Ratzlaff, compiler, Here I Am, Lord: Prayers From the Heart of Ellen White;
Mike Bonem and Roger Patterson, Leading From the Second Chair: Serving
Your Church, Fulfilling Your Role, and Realizing Your Dreams; Shelley Quinn,
Life Affirmations From Scripture.

www.cq.adventist.org