“Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses.., for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, ‘Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?’ And the Lord heard it. Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, ‘Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.’ And the three of them came out. And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. And he said, ‘Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?’ And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed.” Numbers 12:1-9
His siblings had endured enough of shadowing his limelight. Why was their younger brother so special? After all, he’d wed someone without their approval. And they were just as capable of speaking for God. Moses, while likely stung by their resentful criticism, needed not defend himself. His Lord was jealous for His chosen leader and put the jealous brother and sister in their place.
As with many character qualities, what sinful man taints with smack and pride, God abides and expresses with perfection. We think we do loyalty and industry and love and service well, yet can’t help but muddying them with persnickety conditions, selfish motives, and unjust preferences. So much ego gets in the way of purity! Only God does all from a pristine heart with righteous intent and purpose.
To undo our folly of jealousy, at first inkling of coveting, anger, or criticism, we must check from where it stems. Am I acting from insecurity, or malice, or ingratitude? The Lord would develop His Spirit’s fruit to transpose these spiritual nuisances. Do I esteem another’s acumen or talents over my own? God has graced each of His children uniquely with gifts to be received and utilized for His glory. Do I care more about personal popularity and credit, or God’s glory? He is lovingly jealous for those who care about His reputation and renown. (Exodus 32:11-14; Numbers 14:11-20; Romans 12:3-8; Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 3:5-8; 12-15)
It’s important to accept and rejoice in the place and position God’s planted us. He guards and keeps us there. No talent or service is insignificant when offered to Him. Trouble foments when we compare with others and grumble instead of accounting to God with gratitude. Where is God exposing jealousy or discontentment, and what will I do about it? (Numbers 16:1-3,8-11; John 21:22)
“Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
so enchained my spirit’s vision,
looking at the Crucified.
O what wonder! How amazing!
Jesus, glorious King of kings,
deigns to call me his beloved,
lets me rest beneath his wings.” ~Mary James (1810-1883)
Lord, may I gaze on You daily and be jealous only for Your name and glory.
As the rain and snow 