Today’s Scripture: Numbers 12:4; Ecclesiastes 8:11
One of Miriam and Aaron’s complaints was that Moses wasn’t the only prophet in the house. “Hasn’t [the Lord] also spoken through us?” This sounds like our version of who does he think he is? Apparently, they forgot that God is the omniscient Giver of gifts.
When the Lord heard their verbal attacks against Moses, “at once” He instructed the three siblings to convene at the Tent of Meeting. He then proceeded to defend Moses, reminding Miriam and Aaron that prophets experience visions and dreams; but with Moses, He spoke face to face, clearly and not with riddles.
When His servants are criticized, God doesn’t take it sitting down. Miriam was struck with leprosy and Aaron begged for mercy while Moses pleaded for her healing.
Why such quick, harsh punishment? There is an ancient proverb that says “The fish rots from the head down.” Miriam and Aaron were leaders with influence over hundreds of thousands of people. The Lord knew if this critical attitude was not dealt with immediately, it would create a more critical environment among the Israelites. They needed to see the Lord’s support of their leader, and His swift dealing with sinful behavior.
In Ecclesiastes Solomon states, “When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.” For the sake of people and the name of the Lord, misdeeds should be handled as quickly as possible.
- How quickly does the Lord correct you for a wrong-doing? How quickly do you respond to His correction?