Ladies of Legacy

LESSON ONE

Miriam

Read Exodus 2:1–8; 15:19–21; and Numbers 12.

Devotion: In the earliest account of Miriam, we see her as a girl sent to watch her brother, Moses, who was floating in a basket on the water. We aren’t told her age at that time, but we see that from her youth, Miriam was given a great deal of responsibility. Just as the Lord’s hand was on Moses to prepare him for leadership, God guided and shaped Miriam as well.

In Exodus 15, Miriam was a great leader. The Israelites had just left Egypt, where they witnessed the Passover, which spared their children, while the Egyptians’ firstborn were killed. The Israelites were hunted down and faced certain death until God miraculously parted the Red Sea. When the sea returned to its former position, and the Egyptian men pursing the Israelites drowned, Miriam’s first impulse was to worship and praise God for saving them. How pleasing to the Lord to set such an example!

Miriam teaches us to give thanks and praise to God in all situations, even if we are on the side of a sea with nothing but desert ahead. We can always find something that doesn’t fit our expectations. It’s better to be grateful for the blessings in our lives rather than disgruntled over the irritants.

The events of Numbers 12 do not paint Miriam in such an attractive light. We aren’t told anything about Moses’ Cushite wife, but something caused Miriam and Aaron to rebel against Moses and the leadership position God had given him.

“‘Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?’ they asked. ‘Hasn’t He also spoken through us?’” (Num. 12:2). These words drip with arrogance. Miriam and Aaron were haughty about the fact that God had spoken through them. This attitude is in stark contrast to Moses’ spirit. In Numbers 11 Moses said, “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them” (v. 29). He didn’t lord over anyone that God had called him up the mountain and had spoken directly to him. Moses’ desire was that everyone would walk with God as he had. He wished everyone would enjoy the fellowship of God, and in turn respond with obedience.

What a difference there would have been in the Old Testament if that had been the case. Instead of complaining and showing disbelief, the Israelites would have remained faithful, trusting in God who had rescued them so many times. If the people had been in the Spirit, they would have replaced their grumbling with contentment and joy, peace and patience. What a difference we would see in our Christian community today if we had that same selfless attitude. So often we want our church, our mission, our ministry to flourish. It would be better to pray for hearts to be changed and souls to be saved, regardless of who delivers the message.

The apostle Paul expressed this sentiment in Philippians 1:15-18. “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” We need to become more like Moses and Paul, praying for results. When we’ve tried to reach someone, we ought to pray God would bring that person to faith, whether through our efforts or someone else’s.

And when we see a leader seemingly going in the wrong direction or making bad choices, instead of shaking our heads and throwing up our hands—or worse, gossiping about it—why not commit that leader to God, begging that he or she would get on the right path so God might work mightily through him or her?

Miriam’s rebellion against Moses was a grasp at power and an attempt to replace Moses as the leader of Israel. She wasn’t content to lead in the capacity she had been given; nor did she acknowledge the divine appointment of Moses.

Oh, can I relate to Miriam. God’s Word makes it clear that we are to be subordinate to those God put in authority over us, and yet, my sinful nature often is unwilling to let my husband lead. Haven’t we all questioned, mocked or insulted those who govern? Instead of giving leaders respect, understanding that God is the One who put that person above us, it’s all too easy to thumb our nose at them, grumble and disobey.

God gave Miriam a leading role. People knew who she was. She had power and prestige and if that wasn’t enough, she might have prayed for God to open doors so she could serve more. Instead, Miriam sought advancement by dethroning Moses of his position.

My study Bible notes that since Miriam, and not Aaron, was struck with leprosy, likely Miriam was the instigator of the opposition. That Moses prayed on Miriam’s behalf shows the goodness of heart the Lord saw and defended. Moses proved himself time and again to be faithful to God’s will. Because of this, when Miriam and Aaron spoke against him, the Lord was swift and severe in His defense of Moses and His chastisement of Miriam.

If we are willing to be content with our lot in life, not only will we be at peace in our own regard, but the Lord will also be pleased with us. Satan seduces us to seek power. That is God’s to give, and He gave it to Moses, a “humble man” (Num. 12:3). It is in humility that we lower ourselves to a position where we readily do God’s will, not our own.

Devotion Question: Is there an authority figure in your life (boss, public official, or pastor) you disdain? Perhaps the person has made sinful choices, and you’ve experienced the consequences. Maybe he or she has hurt you with words or actions. Maybe you feel he or she is inadequate and that you could do the job better.