Note to Self

by John Edgerton | published on Dec 15, 2025

Discussion Questions 

  1. Read the story of Korah in Numbers 16. Then read the devotional below, “Note to Self.” 
  1. Have you ever been confronted as Korah confronted Moses, saying, “You have gone too far!”? Has someone disagreed with how you led a project, or coordinated a holiday event, or painted a Sunday school room? 
  1. When have you experienced squabbling (or worse) over the “right way” to follow God? 
  1. The cautionary tale of Korah involves a dramatic showdown. What “note to self” do you need to apply grace to an escalating situation? 

Devotional 

Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, became insolent and rose up against Moses, saying: “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?” When Moses heard this, he fell facedown. Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “You Levites have gone too far!” – Numbers 16:1-9 abridged (NIV) 

I have rarely felt more simpatico with a biblical character. Korah, son of Izhar, feels that he is in the right. It’s a stressful period, and he feels things would go better if everybody just listened to him. Moses, however, thinks that things would go better if everybody just listened to him. It’s a great big mess and—for the biblically curious—this story gets a lot worse before it gets better. More important than who’s in charge is who they are following. (Hint: it’s God). 

I file this story under the header of “cautionary tales.” Especially in the lead up to Christmas, I need to be mindful of my desire to have things my own way. When someone wants to change the menu for this year’s Christmas dinner, I should think twice before crying out, “You have gone too far!” If I happen to come up with a snazzy new idea for the pageant, I hope the organizers think twice before firing off an email declaring, “You have gone too far!” More important than who’s in charge is who we are following. 

The lead up to Christmas can be great! Particularly if I can remember the lesson of Korah, son of Izhar, and refrain from freaking out. Even if I think I’m right. 

Prayer
God—help me handle the home stretch of Christmas with grace.

John EdgertonAbout the Author
Rev. John Edgerton is Senior Minister and CEO of Old South Church in Boston. He is the 21st Senior minister in the congregation’s over 350 year history.