When the Issue isn’t the Issue
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it.” Numbers 12:1,2 ESV
Numbers details a series of challenges to Moses’ leadership and a test of his character and God’s choosing of Moses as the leader of His people.
It is one thing to face criticism from those you lead, it is another when the rebellion comes from within your own family. In this account we see the attack coming from Moses’ sister and brother. Miriam and Aaron question Moses’ authority and representative as God’s voice to the people.
We see them attempting to elevate themselves and to take on authority not given by the Lord. However, it this was more than an issue of “who is in charge?” and “Who does God speak to and through?” The complaint arises because of Moses taking a Cushite woman as his wife. We don’t know if this was a wife addition to or to replace Zipporah, the Midianite wife of Moses whose father was Jethro.
What we do know is that Miriam and Aaron were upset with their brother and they made it into a leadership qualification issue and an occasion to questions Moses’ authority.
So often we see this in relational dynamics. There is the “issue” and then there is the issue. What is really troubling or what has upset someone is cloaked in a more reasonable sounding complaint or accusation. The examples of this in the course of human history and church life are legion.
We see Miriam and Aaron standing before the Lord and the Lord comes to Moses’ defense. They found that God did speak to them, but His words were not what they wanted to hear. The Lord says of Moses, “…He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed.” (Numbers 12:7-9 ESV)
Miriam must have been the instigator because God’s judgment comes upon her and she becomes stricken with leprosy. Moses prays for his sister and the Lord responds, but Miriam is isolated outside of the camp for seven days. The result is not just the impact on her, with being removed from the camp, but it shows how her sin impacted the entire congregation.
As people are sitting around in the wilderness questioning why they are breaking camp and moving the answer is, “Because of Miriam.” The judgment on Miriam becomes a warning to all the people. It is one that the record will show they have a hard time paying attention to, but it is an obvious warning nonetheless.
We need to remember when criticism arises, that the “issue isn’t always the issue.” The Lord knows the hearts of all people, both leaders and followers and He is able to reveal the truth. We need to remember that attacks against leaders and sowing discord and division has ramifications that impacts many others.
Prayer for today…. Lord keep us from falling into the Miriam and Aaron trap. Help us to be honest when we are upset over an issue and be willing to confront in honesty and truth. Lord, when we are unjustly criticized help us to know You are able to come to our rescue. You know the hearts of all people.