Originally posted 2/27/24
Most of us are familiar with the story of Moses in Exodus 2 which is the first time we meet his sister, Miriam. Moses was born at a time when Pharoah ordered all Hebrew male babies to be killed. Moses was hidden for three months. When he could not be hidden any longer, his mother put him in a basket and hid him in the weeds. Miriam patiently waited until he was discovered by Paraoah’s daughter. Miriam quickly went and offered to find someone to nurse the baby. She just happened to know someone who could do it–her very own mother. Moses’ mother had to be relieved to know that her son was safe. If she couldn’t raise him, at least she could nurse him.
The next time we see Miriam in Scripture, the Egyptians have just perished in the Red Sea in Exodus 15. Miriam takes her tambourine and leads the women in singing praises to God. “Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. 21 And Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.” Exodus 15:20-21. By the time we get to Exodus 32, many mistakes have happened. Aaron succumbs to pressure and a golden calf is fashioned.
We would be wise to look at Numbers 12. 1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. 4 And suddenly the LORD said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” And the three of them came out. 5 And the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. Numbers 12:1-5 ESV
Miriam and Aaron had become discontent in their roles. Miriam had begun to complain about Moses’ wife. Apparently, their life wasn’t what they expected. Then God calls a family meeting. Just the thought of being summoned by God gives me the chills. During this meeting, God makes himself perfectly clear–Moses is in charge. Miriam leaves that meeting with leprosy. One of the things we tend to forget is that God disciplines those whom he loves.
Moses intercedes for his sister. According to Len Woods in his book, 31 Women of the Bible, “She seems to have learned some important life lessons from this incident” Do with joy the thing God has called you to do. Be thankful for the opportunity to serve, and don’t overstep your bounds. Refuse to compare yourself with others, resist the snare of envy, and don’t sinfully criticize the leaders God has installed.” Woods, p. 36
God disciplined Miriam. She suffered the public humiliation of leprosy. However, she was still well-loved. Discipline is never fun. It wasn’t fun as a child but is equally unpleasant as an adult. God calls us his children. He clearly disciplines those whom he loves. There is nowhere we can hide from God. He knows our hearts and our motives. He will get our attention one way or another. God took care of Miriam’s pride and he will take care of ours.
“Jesus calls us to humbly play the role he’s given us instead of focusing on the shortcomings of others, wishing we had someone else’s life or position, or grumbling about another person getting more attention and acclaim.” Woods, p 36
How does Miriam’s life compare to yours? God quickly put Miriam in her place. Are you content with the role God has given you? Does your ego get in the way of serving the Lord? Do you act like you know more than God? Is God calling you to something that frightens you? What will your next step be? Will you surrender to what God wants for you? My friend, it only takes one step to begin to live out God’s plan for you.
#faith, #Bible, #Scriptures, #Christian Women, #Discipleship, #womenintheBible, #Miriam