19/09/2014 - THE PUNISHMENT OF THE REBEL

• 
• 
• 
• 

And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper. Numbers 12.10

It was through a racist attitude that Miriam revealed her jealousy for her brother Moses. Unfortunately, today this devil continues making victims, and also in the midst of God’s people. Many people have failed to grow in faith because they gave into temptation. The worse thing is that they remain in the hands of torturing spirits which will torment them forever.

When Aaron—Moses’ oldest brother who had joined Miriam in her foolishness of speaking against God’s servant—saw what happened to his sister, he went straight to Moses, asking forgiveness for himself and Miriam. All those who have sinned must confess their sins and seek forgiveness. He who sinned against a person being used by the Lord must go immediately to the person and confess his transgression before it is too late.

Moses cried out, and the Most High forgave him. But Miriam was shut out of the camp seven days, waiting for her shame to be removed. If someone commits sin against a person whom God designated as the leader of his work, he will be forgiven, as long as he confesses his sin. However, if sin is not confessed, God himself will punish the rebel. Miriam had to remain isolated for seven days, and her bad attitude and punishment was known by all people of God.

Never speak against those who were called to lead God’s work. Do not fall into the temptation of envying the position of those who were designated by the Most High, because once God’s patience runs out, you will become a spiritual leper. Miriam became white as snow; but her becoming white was not a sign of sanctification or purification. On the contrary, it indicated that her soul was filthy due to her bad conduct. 

Rebellion starts with an observation made by a person whose faith is weak. Well, if a person opens himself to sin, he will see that deep calls unto deep (Psalm 42.7). In the beginning, the person did not say anything, but criticism was being nurtured within his spirit. Then instead of praying and asking the Lord to remove those feelings from his heart, he adds more and more wood to the fire which is burning inside him. Then it is just a matter of time for this person to realize that he was deceived by the devil.

When Moses married an Ethiopian woman, Miriam (who had nothing to do with that), as a “caring” sister, but filled with prejudice, could not hold herself back and, with Aaron, spoke against the Lord’s servant. It seems that rebellion against the marriage was merely an excuse, since the real reason for their dissension was jealousy. It has always been like this: the fire becomes stronger and stronger, and when something else comes up, rebellion is revealed.

Aaron and Miriam were jealous of the people’s love for Moses. They thought that the people should also seek them, since they too were used by the Most High. But God, in his wisdom, did not choose them, because they were not strong enough to overcome the challenges involving leadership. And since they did not watch, they fell.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares