Your Past Doesn't Define You

 As a pastor's wife, I cross paths with many people. One of the most common things I have heard is, "God could never work through me because of where I come from." So often we allow our past to define our value to God. Let me take a moment to argue that your past does not determine your value to God. Let's get into the cool part of this. In the Old Testament, Numbers 16, Moses has led his people out of Egypt. They have built a tent as the Tabernacle for God. During this time a man named Korah, who was a Levite dedicated to working in the Tabernacle, decided the whole community was holy, not just Moses and his people. Therefore, they should be allowed to lead the people.  He took 250 men to raise a rebellion. Moses addressed them by telling them to bring incense to worship God, and He would bring incense. They would see who God called. As they brought the incense, God warned the people to move away from the tents of the wicked. Then, the ground opened and swallowed Korah and his followers up. You would think people would learn, but then many began to complain about the destruction of Korah and his followers. Then, a plague destroyed over 14,000 people. Moses had a right to wipe out everyone associated with a rebellion that led to the destruction of thousands, but God showed mercy. When you look at 1 Chronicles 9:17-19, it mentions Shallum, a descendent of Korah, and his family being appointed as gatekeeper to the  Tabernacle tent. Even though their ancestors deserved death, God changed the narrative and appointed them as a fresh start for their family lineage. So much so, in Psalms 84:10, called a Psalm to the sons of Korah, "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, then dwell in the tents of the wicked." ESV.  This moves full circle when you realize that not only did God restore the family back to their full calling, but also that the sons of Korah recognized that it was better to serve God in the Temple, than rebel in the tents of the wicked as their fathers chose to do. Your past doesn't determine your calling. It is your obedience to God and willingness to put His will above your own. 

Have a great week high-heeled warriors!

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