Attack Reaction

   How do you react when those who are supposed to follow your lead, become defiant?  Miriam and Aaron in Numbers 12 became defiant, challenging Moses’ authority.  The circumstance used by the two to criticize Moses was his second marriage to a Cushite or possibly an African woman.  The real reason for the criticism was jealousy.  They felt they were just as important as Moses and should have the same communication rights to God as Moses. 

 

    God did not take very kindly to their attitude and criticism as He had a meeting with the three and laid out very clearly that Moses was no ordinary prophet.  God had chosen a very special, unique relationship with Moses and this petty jealousy made God very angry.  Miriam, the instigator, became afflicted with leprosy, an extremely terrible disease.  A very repentant Aaron pleaded with Moses to seek God’s mercy on Miriam’s behalf. 

 

   Moses had a choice.  Miriam and Aaron had criticized, treated him very unfairly and attacked his character.  How easy to say that Miriam got what she deserved because the punishment came directly from God and God is just. 

 

   When someone undermines your authority or attacks your character, how do you respond?  Most, if not all of us, would quickly become defensive to protect ourselves or perhaps lash out in anger.&nb ...