Miriam's Resentment (Punished & Delivered by Grace)

In the book of Numbers - Chapter 12 we learn of Miriam who along with Aaron were critical of the relationship Moses had with God. Read more through this RSS Feed.

We read of how she spoke of harshly of Moses because of the type of woman he chose to marry. She resented him because God spoke directly to him face to face. Miriam was offended by him because she felt that he was no different than any other man of God and that he should have visions and dreams as the other prophets did.

Upon hearing her words the Lord was displeased and commanded that she and Aaron along with Moses appear before him at the Tabernacle.

In his displeasure God said to them .... "If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him I will speak mouth to mouth ........ (Num 7:6-7 KJV)

It is apparent that Moses was like no other man and he had favor in God's eyes. To be so favored that the Lord would speak directly to him is indeed a blessing.

The Lord asked of them ...... why were you not afraid to criticize him?

Without waiting for their answer he left as he came, but just as he did Miriam became white with leprosy. This we learn is her punishment for speaking harshly against a man of God.

Seeing her situation Aaron cried out to Moses realizing what a terrible thing they had done "Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. Let her not be one of the dead ........ (Num 7:11-12 KJV)

Being the man he was Moses cried out to the Lord on her behalf. You see Moses did not hold a grudge as he was a man of God.

Hearing Moses cries the Lord said "If her father had but spit in her face, should she not he ashamed ........... let her be shut away seven days and after that let her be received in again (Num 7:14 KJV)

We learn from Miriam's mistake that having malice in one's heart will not go unpunished. Perhaps not as in the Old Testament but surely we can not move forward with that type of heart.

Is there something in your heart preventing you from receiving all that the Lord has planned for you? Are you resentful of the gifts a child of God is rejoicing in?

What is in your heart?

Let's learn from Miriam's mistake never covet another's blessings hence we prevent ourselves from receiving the blessings intended for us.

God Bless my sisters.