“When One Person’s Fault Retards Collective Progress!”

“When One Person’s Fault Retards Collective Progress!”(Num.12:1-15).
It’s another Sunday and I am glad when they say, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”
Today’s story is about Miriam and Aaron talking against Moses for marrying a Cushite wife. However, it is evident that the Cushite wife reason for the attack was a pretext. Their jealousy was about the prophetic gift of Moses and his special relationship with the LORD. This comes out in, “Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he also spoken through us?”
In this accusation, Miriam places herself on a par with Moses. Meanwhile, the first time we see her as a prophetess is when she led the women in song to celebrate the crossing of the Red Sea and the drowning of Pharaoh and his army(Ex.15:20-21). As for Aaron, the LORD chose him to be Moses’ spokesperson only when Moses complained to the LORD that he was not eloquent(Ex.4:10-16).
This does not make Aaron equal to Moses, yet he was claiming to be a prophet on a par with Moses.
The lesson here is that one’s true enemies are members of his household. A sworn enemy cannot get at you except through those who are close to you.
As it is, Miriam and Aaron were touching the LORD’S anointed and trying to harm his prophet.
“(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth)” If Moses is the author of the Pentateuch, then this verse is an editor’s comment – not to mention that it is hyperbolic in describing Moses’ humility. That notwithstanding, Moses was a faithful servant with whom the LORD spoke “face to face, clearly and not in riddles, he sees the face of the LORD.”
The LORD was angry with Miriam and Aaron for speaking against Moses. But in typical patriarchalism, the punishment fell on Miriam, and Aaron was free. Aaron pleaded with Moses not to hold against them the sin they “foolishly committed.” He pleaded to Moses not to allow Miriam in her leprous condition. “So Moses cried out to the LORD, ‘O God, please heal her!” Lesson: Some Elders, Deacons, and other leaders in the congregation, selected and groomed by their pastor, often claim to be on a par with the pastor. The relationship with the LORD is kind of stratified. At the end of the day, only the pastor has to intercede for the elder or deacon.
Besides, we must be aware that we may join in opposing, but some will receive punishment, and some will not.
Above all, Miriam’s punishment is like that one bad cocoyam that spoils the whole pot of cocoyams. “So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on till she was brought back.” During those seven days, the exodus journey was delayed, and during those seven days of stagnation, they could have been surprised by enemies.
My friend, do not be that one person whose sin and punishment will keep the whole country on a standstill!
We should learn to be one another’s keeper like Aaron did and pleaded for Miriam to Moses, and Moses pleaded to the LORD for her.
Sunday prayer: LORD God Almighty, thank you that through your grace in Christ, you forgive the sins we foolishly commit. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
22/09/2025.