Numbers_12

Scripture

Numbers 12:5-9 NIV

“Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them stepped forward, he said, “Listen to my words: “When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams. But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” The anger of the LORD burned against them, and he left them.”

Observation-What does it say?

God was disciplining Aaron and Miriam for speaking against Moses and gossiping badly about him. God was not having their gossip against His servant and called it sin. Scripture also described Moses as a humble man, more humble than any man on the earth (verse 3), so it angered God when his siblings were speaking ill about him, specifically about his choice of wife.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Humble servant leaders, appointed by God, deserve our utmost trust AND respect. 

The Lord was angry with Miriam and Aaron for speaking badly against Moses. It was very dishonoring and disrespectful, especially since he was God’s appointed servant that He loved dearly. Even after Moses pleaded with the Lord to heal his sister of her skin disease, He wouldn’t. God allowed her to suffer the consequence of her sin for 7 days. 

Life Application 

Do not disrespect the leadership God has placed over us through slander and gossip. It is a sin.

We are very blessed to have awesome Pastors, who are servant leaders at DSC—Pastor Gary, Pastor Levi and Pastor Warren. They are called to watch over us and give account for our lives, which is a position that the Lord has put them in. I believe the Lord reveals Himself to them in ways that help guide their decisions for our Body, giving them wisdom, vision and direction for our DSC family. 

We are called to love, pray for and encourage them instead of criticize, slander (which means making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation) and tear down their decisions. Scripture plainly says in Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.” 

“It is an unprofitable thing to reject and undermine the leadership of your pastor according to the writer to the Hebrews. Anyone who seeks to gossip against or attack their pastor behind his back should be viewed as one who is in clear violation of God’s Word and a tool of Satan (deliveredbygrace.com).”

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.” 

“Again, we see that the pastor should be esteemed (respected) highly in love because of the work he is called to do. What work? The work of laboring in Word and doctrine and shepherding the flock of God (deliveredbygrace.com).”

Dear Lord, thank You that You love and protect our leaders. Thank You for the humble servant leaders You’ve blessed us with at DSC. Help us to be aware of the traps of the enemy and guard ourselves against slandering any of our leaders. We understand that it is a sin and we will have to answer to You for that. I pray that their work would be a joy and not a burden as our church chooses to pray for, honor, trust, respect and encourage them in You Jesus. Amen.

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-Michelle Gaddi