Read Numbers 12:1-16
We learned some things about Moses we may have forgotten. He was humble, and God liked that. Matthew 5:5 says, “God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” And there was some serious sibling rivalry going on which sparked anger in the LORD. Who should dare to question Moses, the LORD’s favorite and most trusted one?
This text gives us a sneak peek into Moses’ personal family situation and how God responded. Even though this family consisted of Moses, the one God speaks to, Aaron, the one called as a priestly leader, and their sister, Miriam, also used by God, they had problems, too. Why did God call these three to the Tabernacle? God clearly wasn’t pleased with them.
Do you think Aaron and Miriam were jealous? Is that why they were pointing fingers at Moses’ choice of a wife? This reference is a bit obscure, because Moses wife, Zipporah, was a Kenite or Midianite (Exodus 2). Apparently, the “Cushite” wife was not the real issue. Something was bothering them, and God wanted to get to the bottom of it.
What do we learn from this teachable moment? God protected and defended Moses. There was a special bond between Moses and God. Moses had intimate access to God, giving Moses authenticity and authority over others in Israel. His siblings clearly had feelings about this that God could see.
Yet God’s rebuke falls on Miriam alone. Interesting that Aaron’s punishment, if any, is not revealed. Miriam finds herself with leprosy, making her unclean and needing to be put outside the camp. Imagine her disbelief that such a thing could happen to her. At least her infirmity is temporary, thanks to Moses’ cry for healing. Leprosy is usually not healed in a week’s time. Moses was a caring brother, despite the reason his sister fell ill.
I wonder what the people thought when Miriam came down with this disease? They must have wondered what she had done to end up like that. As a faith leader, Miriam was not immune to divine punishment. Her behavior and attitude needed an adjustment, and God used the leprosy as her wake-up call.
Have we ever been like the siblings feeling jealous about someone else’s leadership or their recognition? You may even be in a church group now where someone is getting more attention than you think is appropriate. My takeaways from this reading are that God will take care of his faithful ones and be disappointed in those who question how He delegates his authority.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for how you have used me for your purposes during my life. Forgive me for those times when I have felt unworthy or ill-equipped for the ministry you have assigned to me. Help me not to compare myself to others and feel inadequate. It is in my weakness that I rely on you, and together we can do amazing things. I never want to disappoint you by letting my own insecurities keep me from doing something or being judgmental of others. I want to be a shining example of your love, honoring you with all my action. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
