Sin always has a consequence. The more public it is, the greater the consequence. Miriam let her jealousy get out of hand. When this happened, it sprung up, and many were defiled because of her jealousy. Bitterness sets in when we allow jealousy into our lives.
Miriam criticized her brother and brought her other brother into this. As a leader, she used her giftedness and position to lead the others into doubt, criticism, and to question Moses. She was not supportive or encouraging. She wasn’t trusting God’s leadership, either. God deals with us strongly and swiftly with leaders who manifest themselves and do not follow Him.
Read Numbers 12:4-6. When and how does God begin to deal with the controversy? What is His main point to Miriam and Aaron? What were the consequences to Miriam and Aaron for this behavior?
God wasted no time dealing with Miriam and Aaron’s attitudes and behaviors. He explained things to them when they were standing in front of Him. Now, let’s read Numbers 12:11-12. What changed in Aaron’s perspective due to his meeting with God and the consequence to Miriam? Aaron became submissive to His leader Moses. He also recognized his rebellion. He had true repentance, which is a change in thinking that changes our actions. He did not blame anyone for his actions and choices. He took responsibility for his own sin. How good are we at doing this? Are we following Adam and Eve’s example of blaming or Aaron’s example of owning up to our own?
Miriam’s consequence was great; however, it was short term. Scripture doesn’t say if she was repenting or not. After Numbers 20:1, we hear nothing more of Miriam other than she has died. We do not know any more about her leadership. She doesn’t enter the Promise Land because she has died.
Look at Deuteronomy 24:8-9, “Be careful in a case of infectious skin disease, following carefully everything the Levitical priests instruct you to do. Be careful to do as I have commanded them. Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the journey after you left Egypt. What is the significance of this verse about Miriam?
What do we need to learn from Miriam? What do we learn about leadership? Can you think of a time when you had the wrong attitude towards someone? What could you have done differently? Read Romans 13:1. Who are the authorities in your life? Employer, supervisors, management, police, state govt., federal govt., local govt., husband, parents, church leaders, teachers, etc. Out of this list, what authorities do you struggle with trusting God with?
We need to trust God with where HE has placed each of us and where HE has not placed us. We need to obey Him with where He has placed us.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that we will be content with where you have placed us in your calling in our life. I pray that we will not get jealous or envious of others. IF we do, please help us deal with it.
In Jesus Name
Amen
