Read: Numbers 12-14
But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house.
Numbers 12:7
God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.
Miriam and Aaron were unhappy. Miriam seems to have led the accusation against Moses and their problem was “that he married a Cushite wife.” Interestingly, they were unhappy over something she had no control over – her appearance or color because of her race. Isn’t it true that often we are criticized over things that we have no control over or things other than the actual problem? As the following verses show, the complaint about Moses’ wife was not the real issue.
The root of their complaint was the leadership of Moses “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. Hasn’t he also spoken through us? Their assumption and accusation were that Moses was spiritually proud and arrogantly presented himself as the only spokesman of the God of Israel. They challenge the authority of Moses and the God who appointed him. Miriam and Aaron accused Moses of pride, the very same sin that motivated them to make the accusation.
And the Bible says the Lord heard this. Of course, He did! God hears and comes down to answer their accusation. God explains exactly why Moses was special – that He spoke to him face-to-face unlike most prophets, who received revelation through dreams and visions. That was a gift God gave Moses making his relationship with God unique.
The Lord also testifies to Moses’ faithfulness. His walk of righteousness and purity demonstrated over forty years in obscure service to God in the smallest things, revealed the faithful heart that God saw in Moses. “The vision of God is not given to great intellectual ability or mental gift; but to those who as servants are faithful in the administration of God’s household. Such are they that enjoy the face-to-face fellowship, and the mouth-to-mouth speech.” (Meyer)
What a privilege to receive such a testimony from God Himself!
The Bible reminds us that pride goes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). If God were to testify about you and me, what do you think He would have to say? Would you ask God to help you rely on Him, and tell Him how much you need Him?
In what ways do you struggle with pride in your own life? How can you actively work on cultivating humility? Have you ever been criticized or judged unfairly over something you had no control over? How did you respond to the situation, and what did you learn from it? How do you handle it when someone challenges your authority or questions your leadership? Do you react defensively or with humility? How can you grow in this area?
Prayer
Lord, so often my thoughts and actions are full of pride. Forgive me I pray and give me a humble and contrite heart, amen.
Scripture Writing: James 4:6
For more daily devotions like this, – At the Potter’s Wheel (Kindle)
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