Today’s passage: Numbers 12
Helpful thoughts:
- Moses’ pain in leadership grows more acute. His own brother and sister complain against him (Or truly, against the Lord).
- Miriam and Aaron spoke evil about Moses’ wife, but their statements about his wife were only a cover (A warm-up) for the true heart of the matter. They wanted his power and prestige.
- In the end of chapter 11, Moses refused to complain about shared authority within Israel when offered the chance by that young man. Moses’ meekness is held in contrast to Miriam and Aaron’s hunger for power.
- The Lord made it clear, when Miriam and Aaron complained, they were complaining against the Lord himself.
- Moses was faithful in all Israel. He was also God’s chosen man.
- The siblings’ problem was not with Moses, but with God. They might have been jealous of Moses, but their complaint was against God alone.
- When Miriam was turned leprous, it appears Aaron thought Moses had brought it about (See the lower-case “l” in verse 11).
- Moses evidenced his role (or the lack thereof) in pleading with the Lord for her healing.
Questions to consider:
- How does the way Miriam and Aaron first approached Moses give us insight to the way people may talk when they have something critical to say? What were they trying to do to bring Moses “down to earth” and elevate themselves? How would asking questions be better than immediately getting defensive help if someone brings a complaint to you?
- How does meekness impact a person’s ability to respond well when their leadership (or anything else) is questioned or attacked? Who was really in charge of Israel? Who is really in charge of the church? Who is really in charge of everything? What then is to be our role and goal in all that we do?
- How does remaining under the authority of the Lord (Being his servant) free you up from taking complaints personally? Who will always know the motives and the truth behind every action and word? How did Moses evidence he had entrusted himself and his reputation to the Lord?