One day Miriam and Aaron had one of those conversations that are deadly. They made reference to their brother and his decision to marry a Cushite woman. Somehow the decision on his part to marry the black woman lowered their opinion of him and at the same time elevated their opinion of themselves. It is such a human failing when we make ourselves look better at someone else's expense. It is especially deadly when spiritual giftings are compared. God opposes it swiftly. In the lesson we see that God summoned all three of the leaders to meet with him. God came down in a very present form and immediately confronted Aaron and Miriam in the presence of Moses. He called them forward from Moses separating him alone. He then said to the two:
“Listen to my words: “When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams.
But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.
With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he left them." (Numbers 12)
It appears that the gossip of Miriam and Aaron started out along racist lines but ended up along jealousy lines. Moses had a trait that Miriam and Aaron, though faithful, did not have: humility. It allowed him to be faithful to God in ALL OF GOD'S HOUSE. Moses knew what God desired most of all and therefore he was used as he was leading Israel. See this valuable trait expressed this way in Psalm 51: 7
"The sacrifice You desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God"
Jesus's parable about the workers is a good reminder for us. He is in charge of how he uses his workers. (Matthew 20) and His authority cannot be questioned.
"Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."
Song by Benjamin Dube
Thursday, March 1, 2018
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Powerful lesson!!!!
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