Numbers 12 -- Delaying Because of God's Discipline

My commentary began:  “Problems usually come in clusters … because Satan is alive and busy and sinful human nature fights the holy will of God.”

Moses’ sister Miriam had placed him as a baby in the basket in the Nile all those years ago, being directed by God to save his life for just this time.  She is also called a prophetess in the Bible.  Moses’ older brother Aaron had been chosen by God to be Israel’s first high priest.  But Moses was God’s chosen leader.

Miriam began a family rebellion by asking if Moses was the only spokesperson for God.  “Didn’t Miriam and Aaron also have the right to declare God’s Word?” she asked. “In questioning Moses’ authority and God’s will, Miriam and Aaron were acting just like the people of Israel!” my commentary said.  “God heard their words, saw the evil motives in their hearts, and acted swiftly lest their sin spread among the people, because when leaders sin, the consequences can be disastrous… God made it clear that Moses was more than a prophet, because God communicated with him personally,” not in dreams or visions. 

God judged Miriam for her sin and afflicted her with leprosy.  Her brother Aaron, the intercessory high priest, begged Moses to intercede for them with God for healing!  Moses asked and God agreed, healing her, but requiring that she remain outside the camp (out of fellowship with her countrymen) for seven days because she had been defiled.  This amounted to public embarrassment, for the whole camp knew what had happened.

It also meant delay.  They had to wait for her restoration before they could move on.  “The rebellious sinner is always a cause of holding back the progress of God’s people,” my commentary said.  “It’s a serious thing to be a spiritual leader, for the greater the honor, the greater the responsibility.  It’s also a serious thing to try to usurp the authority God has given to others.”

Father, thank You for reminding me that leadership comes with great responsibility and that teachers and leaders are held to a higher standard by You.  Keep me away from sin and if I am headed away from Your will, act quickly to turn me back.  I don’t want to be an example like Miriam.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford