Can you remember when you first accepted Yahshua’s calling on your life? Joy, innocence, and enthusiasm most likely caused you to experience the Spirit like never before. It’s called the mountain top or a “going up” experience. But then of course, there is always a reality check, where our “old selves” start to take over and we find ourselves going down a different path. How does this happen? I believe the Torah once again gives us some answers.
Complaining protestors caused Moses to think about giving up. The issue was food. Israel was excited about the “bread from heaven” until it started to feel and taste plain. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner got old. They began to look inward and reflected on a past that affected their present. Moses took the criticism personally and said,
“I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me. So, if Thou art going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once.”
What was Moses talking about in this text? He is referring to the belief that he alone must deliver more food to Israel. A seemingly impossible task. So, Moses cries out to God.
Here is a question: Is food always about food? Or does food represent words or actions as well? How often do we complain without a desire to clarify?
What is Yah’s response to Moses? It’s two-fold. One, He will provide 70 elders to help Moses carry the burden of complaints. And two, He will provide so much meat to Israel that they will regret their grievance. This seems good right? Moses will once again experience the Mighty Hand of Yod Hey Vav Hey.
You would think that Moses would now be encouraged. Yahweh has taking care of the complainers. But now comes the real test. The ones closest to Moses go on the attack.
“Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against (to declare or threaten H1696)) Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married for he had married a Cushite woman.”
There are many discussions on exactly who this Cushite woman is and why isn’t she an Israelite. But to me, this is not the issue. The main problem is why now? Why are Aaron and Miriam giving accusation this late into the ministry. Why are they “speaking against” Moses.
Let’s review their exact words:
“Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?”
Typically, when a ministry first begins all is well. Everyone is excited to be the “team.” But then little things start to put an ax against the mission tree. It’s called comparison, jealousy, self-righteousness, and a need to be noticed.
Does this act affect the rest of the congregation at a later date? I believe it does. For it’s not long after we read about another, now larger group who make the same type of statement.
“They (Korah, Dathan and 250 others) assembled together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “You (Moses) have gone far enough! For all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?” Num. 16:3
The actions taken by YHWH against these people seem to be closely related. One group is swallowed up never to live again. Miriam on the other hand is put outside the camp until all the “white” is dealt with. In both instances, we see a God that does not tolerate a self-identification of being more holy than another.
What’s my take away from this week’s selection? I came up with three.
- Looking inward to claim authority without God’s leading causes criticism which leads to division. Don’t assume your righteousness without His covering.
- Looking inward to discredit what another might be experiencing is wrong. Moses felt the words against him. These words moved him to ask God to take his life or for him to fall humbly before God for judgment. “Oh, be careful what we say.”
- Looking inward and to a past life causes you to turn from God’s doings and to your own. Yahweh is greater than you. Let Him create the new you.
Let us continue to give praise in all things. Let us continue to let Yah be God. Let us continue to love our neighbor as ourself and not display an evil tongue.
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn