A challenge to Moses’ authority

Num 12:2  And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. 

There was a challenge to Moses’ authority; and it happened within the family. Miriam, sister of Moses, was at the forefront firing the shot at Moses. She was the instigator, from the fact that her name stands conspicuously first in verse 1, and that the punishment fell on her alone (verse 10). She also managed to get their brother Aaron on her side. It was not one but two siblings against their younger brother.

What are the lessons we can learn?

1. PRIDE. Obviously, there were many reasons why they fell out with their brother but I know pride must be one of them. They were proud of their prophetic gift. They did not deny that God had spoken through Moses, but they argued they were also prophet and prophetess and hence, God also spoke through them, thus making them equal with Moses.

Many conflicts with the leaders of the church happened because of pride. Someone was proud and wanted his way. Or, someone thought he could run a church better than the elders or leaders. Pride elevates oneself and despises others. Pride causes dissatisfaction with those who rule.

God wants us to be humble and let the other person have the honour (Romans 12:10). Paul wrote: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3). Let us be humble and submit to those who lead in the church (Hebrews 13:17).

2. FALSE SPIRITUALITY. Miriam and Aaron excused their behaviour under the plea that they too enjoyed divine favours and privileges; they were prophets too. How often do men speak and act as if they were more spiritual than others and are doing out of love for the Lord’s church.

True love acts differently (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Love “does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,” (1 Corinthians 13:5-6a, ESV). Those who love the Lord’s church love peace, are respectful and in submission to authority.

3. THE CONFLICT IS IN FACT, WITH GOD. Miriam and Aaron challenged God’s appointed leader. The scripture says “And the LORD heard it” (Numbers 12:2b). Did God side with them? No! God rebuked them and was angry with them.

Moses had been keeping quiet all this time. The scripture says he was meek above all the men that were upon the earth (Numbers 12:3). But God would not let His servant be bullied and kept quiet. God says: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” (Romans 12:19). And, He did. He punished Miriam with leprosy (Numbers 12:10).

God asked Aaron and Miriam this question: “Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:8b). God addressed Moses as “my servant.”  When they mocked Moses, they were mocking the one who sent him. The Chinese has this saying: “Before you beat a dog; look at its owner.” To despise Moses is to despise the One who sent him. To challenge the authority of Moses is to challenge the authority of the One who sent him.

God will ask anyone this same question: “Why are you not afraid to speak against My servant?”

God heard their complaints against His servant Moses. And, God is still hearing every complaint that every Christian made against the elders, preachers, teachers, and any of His servants today. God will hold that person accountable for his action and speech (2 Corinthians 5:10).

God was on Moses’ side. Therefore, to challenge Moses is to challenge God’s authority. God will always be on the side of His servants. When we submit to those who rule, we are submitting to God’s authority. And, when anyone challenges their right to rule, they are challenging God’s authority to rule.

Let us not sin like Miriam and Aaron. Let us be humble and be submissive to authority (Hebrews 13:17).

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.