Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Correction upward is REBELLION


Numbers 12:1-9While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. They said, "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn't he spoken through us, too?" But the Lord heard them. Now Moses was more humble than any other person on earth. So immediately the Lord called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, "Go out to the Tabernacle, all three of you!" And the three of them went out. Then the Lord descended in the pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tabernacle. "Aaron and Miriam!" he called, and they stepped forward. And the Lord said to them, "Now listen to me! Even with prophets, I the Lord communicate by visions and dreams. But that is not how I communicate with my servant Moses. He is entrusted with my entire house. I speak to him face to face, directly and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. Should you not be afraid to criticize him?" The Lord was furious with them, and he departed.
In this story, Aaron and Miriam decide that they know more than the leader of Israel. When they start seeing themselves wise in their own eyes, the Lord Himself makes a visit to set things straight. He terrifies Aaron and Miriam in their rebellion, leaving them very persuaded that Moses has the hand of God on his life.
Authority is not something to be taken lightly. All authority has been set in position by God. When we step outside of that authority, even in our hearts, we position ourselves to be rebuked by circumstances of disfavor and discomfort. But when we humbly accept the authority under which God places us, praying for them and honoring them, God preserves us no matter what comes. If you ever feel the need to correct those in authority over you, remind yourself to be devoted to what God has entrusted to you.

Posted by kevin. at 2:50 pm