Pushing Against God

And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper” Numbers 12:10 NKJV.

We suffer consequences when we push against God. It’s a dangerous thing to do, but most of us have done it. But, when Miriam pushed against God, it was a public all-out assault which brought into question Moses’ call and anointing. In a prideful attempt to usurp her brother’s authority, she shamefully suggested Moses was no better equipped to lead Israel than she or Aaron. What had happened to Miriam?

First, she wanted Moses’ job; Miriam wanted to lead Israel. From her vantage point, she could do a better job. She assumed herself qualified. After all, she was a prophetess and leader of the spirit-filled women of Israel. (See Exodus 15:20.) Next, it seems her patriotic fervor and religious pride got the best of her. Moses had married again. He had taken a new wife, an Ethiopian – a Cushite - from outside the family of faith. What Miriam feared most was his new bride’s ungodly influence over Moses. Since “the Ethiopian” came from a region that did not worship or honor Yahweh, the Living God, she was willing to stir the pot and humiliate Moses publicly, if she might gain support of the Hebrew nation and oust Moses. Although Miriam called Moses’ wife-choice into question, scripture does not. Apparently his choice in a bride didn’t rattle God. He could have prevented their union, if need be. After all, God met with Moses face to face.

We are like Miriam. We have difficulty managing our own lives, but we know exactly what our sister or brother should do. When it comes to the lives of others, we’ve got all the answers! Moses had not provoked this attack. He was a humble man, wholly devoted to God. (See Numbers 12:3).

Of course, Moses intervened on her behalf and begged God to spare her. He was not only a spiritual leader, but an intercessor. Ultimately, God did heal her. But in the interim, the entire camp came to a halt while they waited. That’s what sin does. It stops us in our tracks and renders us ineffective to the purposes of God. We conquer nothing, spiritually or naturally, when we’re living in sin. God had dealt with Miriam’s insurrection attempt, and she would never forget it. Once restored to health, she will finish her life behind the scenes, silenced and still. Unfortunately, her prophetic voice was silenced. One can only imagine how God might have used her gifts under different circumstances. At the time of her death, the Israelites mourned for thirty days. This is a small portion of her life and ministry, but there was so much more.

Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, help us to do the next right thing. Help us to honor you in all things. Give us a genuine love for your Word and the strength and desire to obey it. Amen.