IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MIRIAM - Miriam the Leper

 In those words, we see that  a potent poison was brewing in Miriam and Aaron.  Dissatisfied with the way Jehovah was using Moses, They wanted more authority and influence for themselves. What it because Moses was overbearing, a proud glory-seeker?  He surely had his faults, but ambition and pride were not among them. The inspired record says:  "Now the man Moses was by far the meekest of all the men on the face of the earth."  At any rate, Miriam and Aaron were out of line, and they were in danger. As the account says,  Jehovah was listening."  - NUMBERS 12:2, 3.

Suddenly Jehovah summoned the three siblings to the tent of meeting.  There the awesom pillar of cloud, representing the presence of Jehovah, descended and stood by the entrance. Then Jehovah spoke.  He rebuked Miriam and Aaron, reminding them of the unique relationship He had with Moses and of the great trust He had chosen to place in that man.  "Why, then, " Jehovah asked, "did you not fear to speak against my servant, against Moses?" Miriam and Aaron surely trembled.  Jehovah saw the disrespect they had shown Moses as disrespect for Jehovah himself. - NUMBERS 12:4-8. 

Miriam evidently had been the instigator in the matter, leading her younger brotehhr to side with her against their sister-in-law. That would help explain wny it was Miriam who was then punished.  Jehovah struck her with leprosy. The terrifying disease left her skin "as white as snow."  Aaron immediately humbled himself before Moses, begging him to intercede, sat=yibg : "We have acted foolishly in what we have dobe."  Moses, meek man that he was, cried out to Jehovah:  "Oh God, please heal her! Please!" (Numbers 12:9-13) The anguished response of both brothers  reveals how they loved their older sister, despite her flaws.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MIRIAM - Miriam Restored

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