Aaron & Miriam Criticize Moses

"While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. They said, 'Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Hasn't he spoken through us, too?' But the LORD heard them. (Now Moses was very humbe - more humble than any other person on earth.)" Numbers 12:1-3

As I study the book of numbers, it is very obvious that the Israelites just were not happy campers! They began complaining about things before they even left Egypt, about the heavy burdens Pharoah laid upon them because of Moses demanding their freedom. They complained once they were freed. No matter how many miracles they witnessed God perform on their behalf, for their survival no less, they complained. In this passage, we see that even Aaron and Miriam got on the complaining bandwagon...and about what? Moses' wife.

Well, there's more to the story. You see, their complaint wasn't just about Moses' wife. That was just a smoke screen. Looking deeper into this passage, you see that they questioned Moses' authority, "They said, 'Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Hasn't he spoken through us too?'" Bottom line, their criticism was stemmed in their jealousy toward Moses. They wanted to be just as important and lead the Israelites just like Moses. Now, bear in mind, that Moses had a special relationship with God - one like only very few have ever had. God spoke directly to Moses. He spoke to prophets only in dreams and visions. But with Moses, God said, "Of all my house, he is the one Itrust. I speak to him face to face, clearly and not in riddles! He sees the LORD as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?'" (Numbers 12:7-8) God called Miriam and Aaron on the carpet for their jealousy and pride. He put them in their place and as a result, Miriam was striken immediately with leprosy for 7 days.

Today, like then, we struggle with jealousy, envy, and pride. When we criticize others or begin to question their authority, we need to be sure that any criticism is valid and constructive, out of pure motives. We need to ensure we handle it in a prayerful, respectful manner - going directly to the person or people affected. We must examine our hearts to ensure there is no pride, jealousy, or other sinful reason that produces this criticism. Leaders, pastors, employers, and people in authority are placed in their positions by God Himself. When we wrongly criticize others or question their authority out of jealousy or pride, we are not only showing disrespect to them, but also to God. "For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God." (Romans 13:1)

Often, like with Miriam and Aaron, the criticism is stemmed in minor disagreements that are just a smoke screen for bigger, underlying issues. These minor disagreements sometimes create a diversion from the real issue - jealousy, pride, and envy. So when we find ourselves in constant disagreement and criticism of someone else, we should stop and ask ourselves what our motives truly are? Are we truly dealing with the issue or are we creating a smoke screen by attacking the person's character. Ask God to reveal the motives of your heart and if they are rooted in jealousy, envy, or pride, repent and ask for His help.

If you are the target of unjust criticism, the best thing to do is rely on God. Trust Him and turn the situation over to Him. Don't take the criticism personally. Let God deal with the person. Pray for the person as well, they need your prayers.

Ultimately, we should operate out of love for one another. So before we open our mouths to criticize, let us get on our knees and pray for the person we're so critical of. Let us ask God to open our hearts to them and fill us with love and compassion for them. Let us make sure our motives are pure, good, and godly - not rooted in our own agenda.

"Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning." 2 John 1:6

In His Love, Cathy