Tuesday 04 August 2009

Background

In today's passage we continue the journey to the Promised Land.But this time we see God at work in the lives of three people -leaders among the community. We eavesdrop on Miriam and Aaron asthey question Moses' leadership: "Has the Lord spoken only throughMoses? Has he not spoken through us also?"

They are not questioning Moses' leadership per se - theyrecognise that the Lord has indeed spoken through him. The questionis, has the Lord only spoken throughMoses? 'What about us?' they ask. Or, to put it another way,'What's so special about Moses?' They want the same status as Mosesand the same recognition for what they have done.

Unfortunately for them God also hears their discussion! And Godcalls them to a meeting... In verses 6-8 God rebukes them, and indoing so reminds them that Moses is more than a prophet throughwhom God speaks. He is God's chosen servant who God speaks toclearly, "face to face". So why, God asks, were they "not afraid tospeak against my servant Moses?"

But Miriam and Aaron do not get a chance to answer. Their silenceimplies the guilt of their sin. Their pride in wanting to putthemselves alongside God's chosen servant, Moses, is evident, andMiriam pays the price. But in all of this, Aaron learns about God'sways. It is Aaron who, in seeing Miriam's punishment, showscontrition and pleads with Moses to intercede on their behalfbefore God, in recognition of how foolish they have been.

Moses, throughout the whole situation, does not once fight for hisposition. He rests in the knowledge that it is God who has calledhim; that it is God who has given him his responsibilities and thatit is God who does indeed speak through him. Remember that earlierin his life, Moses was the reluctant leader who, when God called,used every excuse not to go (see Exodus 3). Thus itis God who now speaks up for Moses, just as Moses has spoken outfor God.

Once again God provides.

To Ponder

How do you recognise and respond to God's call onyour life?

How do you hear and respond to God's rebuke? Whatmight God be saying to you?

A famous hymn - "Guide me, O thougreat Jehovah" invites us to ask God to "be thou still mystrength and shield". Is God your strength and shield? In whatways?