Before we go any further, let’s take a look at the context of this verse. Moses, Aaron and the Israelites were in the wilderness. They had been freed from slavery in Egypt, but on the way to the Promised Land, there was a specific moment when they did not have faith that God could take them into the land. As a consequence, God told the people they would have to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The people had been in a habit of grumbling and complaining, and when they made it clear that they didn’t think they could defeat the people already residing in the land God had promised to them, God had had enough. 

After Moses and Aaron announced this news to the Israelites, they also instructed the people about some of God’s requirements regarding different kinds of offerings and rules. Some of the religious leaders decided they were tired of yielding to Moses and Aaron’s leadership. Essentially, they questioned Moses and Aaron’s authority. 

They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?” -Numbers 16:3

It’s at this point in the story that Moses makes his statement about God knowing who belongs to Him and who is holy. 

Then [Moses] said to Korah and all his followers: “In the morning the Lord will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him.” -Numbers 16:5

I’ll let you read the rest of the story on your own to see what happened. (Hint: It’s DRAMA.) 

It can be dangerous to pluck a verse out of its context. But I’m taking cautions here to remember the bigger picture and discern, with the Holy Spirit’s help, how this verse might apply to my life today. Here are two pull-outs from this verse that challenge me. I hope they can challenge you, too!

First… Do you belong to the Lord?

In today’s context, the answer to this question might be answered by whether or not you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. You are imperfect—a sinner! And so am I. This sin creates distance between you and God that you cannot overcome by your own efforts. Fortunately, God sent His son, Jesus, to die on the cross and rise back to life. In doing so, He bridged the chasm. Jesus’ sacrifice reopened our pathway to God. Because of His death, we can dwell with God again one day. And actually, even today we have the Holy Spirit in our hearts if we have invited Him in. These beautiful blessings are for people who have professed their belief in Jesus as their personal Savior. They belong to the Lord! Do you? 

Second… Are you holy? 

To be holy is to be set apart. Some definitions even specify that it is to be set apart for a sacred or divine purpose. Someone striving for holiness has consecrated herself for a purpose—a godly purpose. Nobody can be perfectly holy on this side of eternity because no human is perfect, as far as I know, anyway. But we are called to pursue holiness. Be holy, as I am holy, God says in the Bible several different times. 

How are you setting yourself apart from the nonbelievers around you? In what ways are you choosing to follow Jesus’ ways instead of the world’s ways? How are you actively pursuing consecration to the Lord? I heard someone say once, you can’t drift into holiness. It won’t just happen on its own. Holiness doesn’t happen by accident! It comes from choosing—every day—to step closer to God, further distancing yourself from the world.

In Numbers, God was on the lookout for people who belonged to Him and who were holy, and He said He would have that person come near to Him. Doesn’t that just sound amazing? I want to be near to God. When you invite Jesus into your heart and pursue holiness, you will surely grow nearer and nearer to God. The most wonderful reality to experience and enjoy.

Whenever God is looking around for people who belong to Him and who are intentionally choosing holiness with the help of the Holy Spirit, I want to be found by Him. Santa’s list is great! But to be on God’s “list” back in Numbers was way better. And the best news of all is that when I belong to Jesus and pursue holiness, no matter what challenges come my way, God’s nearness will radiate. Thank you, God!