Sermon Audio: LINK

Series Introduction: 

Living in obedience to God doesn’t come without its challenges. One of the most difficult trials we face is criticism, and it’s inevitable that those who seek to live out their faith will encounter it. We might expect to face opposition from the world, but when criticism comes from those closest to us (our family, friends, and loved ones) it cuts especially deep. Criticism, especially from loved ones, can feel like a betrayal, leaving us feeling isolated and misunderstood. 

Today, I want to speak directly to those wounds and offer a pathway to true healing and restoration. While our natural inclination is often to become defensive, retaliate, or harbor resentment, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to respond with humility, grace, and love, just as Jesus did.

Consider Moses, who found himself in this very position when his own siblings, Miriam and Aaron, turned against him. Despite their harsh words and unfair accusations, Moses, known for his great humility and meekness, responded in a way that sets a powerful and transformative example for us all.

This morning, we will dive deeply into the story of Moses and explore how his response to criticism teaches us about true humility and points us to Jesus Christ, the ultimate embodiment of perfect humility. Moses’ example shows us how to transform our reactions to criticism, enabling us to reflect the boundless love and grace of Christ in our own lives.

Through Moses’ story, we learn that humility is not a weakness but rather a mighty strength. When we choose humility, we align ourselves with God’s heart and open the door to His healing power. Moses’ meekness didn’t diminish his leadership; it magnified it, showcasing the strength that comes from a heart submitted to God.

Scripture Reading: 

NUMBERS 12:1-16 ESV:    Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, 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. 6 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.

10 When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us because we have done foolishly and have sinned. Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her, please.” But the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut outside the camp seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.”So Miriam was shut outside the camp seven days, and the people did not set out on the march till Miriam was brought in again. After that the people set out from Hazeroth, and camped in the wilderness of Paran.

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together this morning. As we open Your Word, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to enlighten our hearts and minds. Teach us through the example of Moses, and ultimately through the example of Christ, how to respond to criticism with humility and grace. Help us to be transformed by Your Word and to live out these truths in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Introduction: 

Today we once again join the Israelites on their wilderness ourney from Egypt to the Promised Land, a journey fraught with challenges, rebellion, and divine interventions. Moses, chosen by God, was tasked with leading the Israelites through this tumultuous period. His role was not easy, but he was not alone in this leadership. He had support from his siblings, Aaron and Miriam.

Aaron served as the high priest and spiritual leader of the people, offering sacrifices and interceding on their behalf. Miriam was recognized as a prophetess, and played a vital role in the spiritual life of the community, leading them in worship and praise after their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. Together, they formed a sort of leadership trio.

Yet, despite their close relationship and shared responsibilities, a moment of tension arose. In Numbers 12, we find Miriam and Aaron speaking against Moses. Their criticism was, on the surface, about Moses’ marriage to a Cushite woman, but beneath this surface issue lay deeper roots of jealousy and a challenge to Moses’ unique relationship with God. Moses’ response to this criticism is remarkable and instructive. Despite the personal attack from his closest allies, he remained humble and meek, entrusting the situation to God rather than retaliating. In a similar way, God’s defense of Moses underscores the importance of maintaining a humble spirit and trusting in divine justice, even when faced with unjust criticism. 

As we reflect on this narrative, let us consider how we respond to criticism, especially from those we care about. Do we react with defensiveness and anger, or do we emulate Moses’ example of humility and trust in God’s sovereignty? By choosing the latter, we not only align ourselves with God’s will but also open the door to His healing and transformative power in our relationships and communities.

I. The Incident of Opposition (Numbers 12:1-3)

Let’s begin by examining the first two verses of Numbers 12. Here, we read:

“Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. ‘Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?’ they asked. ‘Hasn’t he also spoken through us?’ And the Lord heard this.” (Numbers 12:1-2, ESV)

Miriam and Aaron, the siblings of Moses, initiated opposition against Moses. They criticized his marriage to a Cushite woman, a superficial excuse to mask deeper issues. Cush, a region in modern-day Ethiopia, indicates that Moses’ wife was of a different ethnic background. This detail reveals the roots of their complaint, which lay in the soil of racial pride and jealousy. They began to question Moses’ unique role and his close relationship with God, asking, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” Their criticism unveiled a deeper sin, a mix of racial prejudice and envy, which led them to speak against him.

In this account, let us see a warning and a lesson. Let us examine our own hearts for any seeds of pride, jealousy, or prejudice. How often do we find ourselves criticizing others, not because of legitimate concerns, but because of underlying jealousy or prejudice? Are there instances where we let our pride and envy drive us to speak against others unjustly? Do we judge others not by the content of their character but by the color of their skin?

Let me share a personal story. Before I met my lovely wife, I briefly dated a young woman who had a different skin color than me. We didn’t date long, just a couple of months, but during that brief window, I saw and heard prejudiced remarks from people I never would have expected to hear them from. This young woman was a godly, church-going individual, but because of her different ethnic origin, it caused problems for us. Maybe I was ignorant and overly optimistic, but I can honestly say that those reactions really caught me off guard.

I am not placing myself above this, as if prejudice does not affect me. I know tht prejudice doesn’t come from thin air. So many historical, societal, and interpersonal factors are at play, and it is almost impossible to unravel the knot we have inherited. I have moments in my life where the Holy Spirit convicts me of my own prejudices, and I need to repent and ask for forgiveness. There are other times when I see and hear prejudice playing out right before me and I don’t say anything, and that’s not acceptable on my part. It is something I need to work on in myself. Personally, I do not like to think of people in terms of “racist” or “not racist.” I believe we all have the seed of prejudice in us, and we can all drift into prejudiced thoughts, words, and actions. I also believe that through the Holy Spirit working in each of us, we can overcome these prejudices we harbor and model a more biblical and Christlike way of seeing and loving our neighbors, not primarily in terms of race, but as fellow image-bearers of our good Creator God.

As the apostle Paul reminds us: 

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, ESV).

In the midst of this criticism, we are given a striking insight into the character of Moses: 

“Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3, ESV) 

Despite his exalted position and the unique relationship he enjoyed with God, Moses was extraordinarily humble. His leadership was not marked by pride or a desire for personal glory but by meekness.

Moses had every reason to be proud, he was chosen by God to lead the Israelites, performed miracles, and spoke with God directly. Yet, his defining characteristic was his humility. He did not retaliate or defend himself against his siblings’ accusations. Instead, he trusted in God to vindicate him, and as we will soon see, God did just that.

Ultimately, Moses’ meekness foreshadows the ultimate humility displayed by Christ. Just as Moses did not retaliate when criticized, Jesus did not retaliate when He was mocked, beaten, and crucified. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the Father, showing us the true meaning of humility. But how should we, as followers of Christ, respond to unjust criticisms? The Bible provides clear guidance on this matter.

First, we are called to respond with prayer. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus tells us, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Prayer is our first line of defense and our greatest tool for transformation, both in ourselves and in those who criticize us.

Next, we must maintain a gentle spirit. 1 Peter 3:15-16 reminds us to, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.” Gentleness and respect are hallmarks of a Christ-like response to criticism.

Furthermore, Jesus instructs us to turn the other cheek. In the Sermon on the Mount, He teaches, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39). This radical response to injustice reflects the heart of our Savior.

We are also called to overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 states, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This means responding to unjust criticism with acts of kindness and goodness, embodying the love of Christ even in difficult situations.

Finally, we seek peace and avoid retaliation. Romans 12:17-18 commands, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Our goal should always be peace, striving to reflect the peacemaking spirit of Jesus in our interactions.

These biblical principles guide us to respond to unjust criticism with grace, forgiveness, and a peaceful spirit, reflecting the example of Moses and our Lord Jesus Christ.

II. God’s Response and Vindication (Numbers 12:4-9)

In Numbers 12:4-5, we read:

“At once the LORD said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, ‘Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.’ So the three of them went out. Then the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud; He stood at the entrance to the tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward…”

Imagine the gravity of this moment. God, in His glory, descending in a pillar of cloud, summons the three siblings to stand before Him. This dramatic action underscores the seriousness with which God views rebellion and criticism against His chosen leaders. 

Continuing in verses 6-8, we read:

“Listen to My words: ‘When there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, reveal Myself to them in visions, I speak to them in dreams. But this is not true of My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?'”

God clarifies the unique relationship He has with Moses. While He communicates with other prophets through visions and dreams, He speaks with Moses directly, face to face. Moses’ faithfulness and unique role as God’s chosen servant set him apart. Moses was not just a prophet; he was the mediator of God’s covenant with Israel, delivering God’s laws and guiding His people.

This passage teaches us that God is the defender of His servants. Moses did not need to defend himself; God vindicated him. When we face criticism or unjust opposition, we can take comfort in knowing that God sees and will act on our behalf.

In our daily lives, when we are wronged or criticized, our natural reaction might be to retaliate or defend ourselves aggressively. However, this story encourages us to trust in God for our vindication. Just as God defended Moses, He will defend us if we remain faithful and humble.

In the New Testament, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this mediatory role in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 3:2-6 compares Jesus to Moses, showing that while Moses was faithful in God’s house as a servant, Christ is faithful as a Son over God’s house. Additionally, 1 Timothy 2:5 declares that Jesus is the one mediator between God and humanity.

Jesus, like Moses, spoke directly with God and revealed God’s will to us. But unlike Moses, Jesus is not just a servant but the very Son of God, providing the ultimate revelation and mediation through His life, death, and resurrection.

III. Consequence and Intercession (Numbers 12:10-16)

Let’s look at verse 10, which states:

“When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam’s skin was leprous, it became as white as snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease.”

Upon witnessing God’s anger, we see a severe consequence for Miriam, she is struck with leprosy, her skin turning white as snow. How ironic that Miriam’s criticism was, on the surface, that Moses was married to a Cushite woman of dark skin. Her punishment then is to be given skin white and diseased. This punishment is both immediate and severe, illustrating the gravity of her sin.

Miriam’s leprosy serves as a powerful reminder of how seriously God views sin, especially rebellion against His appointed leaders. It is not a light matter to challenge those whom God has chosen and anointed for His purposes. The physical affliction of leprosy symbolized the spiritual and communal rupture caused by her actions.

In verses 11 and 12, we see Aaron’s immediate reaction:

“And he said to Moses, ‘Please, my lord, I ask you not to hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed. Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother’s womb with its flesh half eaten away.'” (Numbers 12:11-12)

Aaron’s plea highlights two important points: the recognition of sin and the necessity of intercession. When confronted with the reality of their rebellion and its consequences, Aaron does not try to justify their actions or shift blame. Instead, he acknowledges their sin and turns to Moses for intercession.

Moses’ response is immediate and compassionate. Despite being the target of their criticism, he does not harbor bitterness or seek revenge. Instead, he intercedes for Miriam, praying earnestly for her healing.

“So Moses cried out to the LORD, ‘Please, God, heal her!'” (Numbers 12:13, ESV)

Moses’ prayer for Miriam is a demonstration of his humility and love. He does not allow their earlier opposition to cloud his judgment or harden his heart. His concern is for Miriam’s well-being, not for his own vindication.

Moses’ intercession for Miriam points us to Jesus’ intercession for those who crucified Him. On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, ESV). Just as Moses prayed for Miriam despite her wrongdoing, Jesus prays for us and intercedes on our behalf, even when we are undeserving.

As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this example of intercession and forgiveness. When we are wronged or criticized, our natural inclination might be to hold on to bitterness or seek retaliation. However, both Moses and Jesus teach us to pray for those who wrong us and to let go of any resentment.

Finally, in verses 14-16, we read:

“The LORD replied to Moses, ‘If her father had spit in her face, would she not have been in disgrace for seven days? Confine her outside the camp for seven days; after that she can be brought back.’ So Miriam was confined outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on till she was brought back.”

While Miriam faced a severe consequence for her sin, God also provided a path for her restoration. Her temporary exile underscored the seriousness of her actions, but it also allowed for her reintegration into the community after a period of reflection and purification.

In our community of faith, it is crucial to maintain a balance between discipline and restoration. When someone sins or causes disruption, appropriate discipline helps to uphold the integrity and holiness of the community. However, this discipline should always aim at restoration, just as Miriam was restored after her period of confinement.

Conclusion

As we conclude our time together this morning, let’s reflect on the powerful lessons from the story of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. Criticism and conflict are inevitable parts of our lives, whether they come from those closest to us or from within our broader communities. How we respond to these challenges can either reflect our natural inclinations or the transformative power of Christ’s example in our lives.

In Moses, we see a remarkable example of humility and meekness. Despite being harshly criticized by his own siblings, Moses chose not to retaliate or defend himself. Instead, he trusted in God’s justice and responded with grace, even interceding for Miriam when she faced the consequences of her actions. This response foreshadows the ultimate humility of Jesus Christ, who, when faced with the greatest injustice, prayed for those who persecuted Him.

Take a moment to think about a recent conflict or criticism you’ve faced. How did you respond? Did your response reflect humility and grace, or was it marked by defensiveness and bitterness? As we seek to apply these lessons from Moses and Jesus, consider how you can respond differently moving forward. Ask God for the strength and wisdom to respond with Christ-like humility in all your interactions. Perhaps there’s someone you need to forgive or someone for whom you need to intercede in prayer. Let’s commit to making those changes today.

The ultimate example of humility and grace is found in Jesus Christ. He bore our sins on the cross, demonstrating the highest form of love and forgiveness. If you have not yet experienced the life-transforming power of the gospel, today is the perfect time to respond. Jesus offers forgiveness, healing, and a new way of life. Accepting His gift of salvation is the first step toward living out the humility and grace we see in His life and in the story of Moses.

If you have already placed your trust in Christ, let this story renew your commitment to following His example. Reflect on the ways you can embody His humility in your daily interactions, and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to respond to criticism and conflict with grace and love.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the powerful example of humility and grace shown by Moses, and ultimately by Jesus Christ. Help us to respond to criticism and conflict in ways that reflect Your love and forgiveness. Transform our hearts and minds so that we may live out these truths in our daily lives. For those who have not yet experienced Your saving grace, we pray that today would be the day of their salvation. For those of us who follow You, strengthen our commitment to embody Christ’s humility and love. We ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.