JEALOUSY IS SERIOUS. Numbers 12 Watching from my distant place as I observe the journey of God's people from then until now, I realize that it is easy to lose focus on the goal before us and become distracted. Each day, events and issues arise that try to divert our minds from God's will and what He has planned for us. When we start to pay attention to the personalities and actions of people—whether God's people or the people of the world—our mind's eye shifts away from the right focus. At that point, comparing people and positions can quickly lead to the serious sin of jealousy.
Moses was God's chosen leader for His people, even though he was younger than Miriam and Aaron. He had not experienced slavery or suffered under its bonds in the same way as Miriam and Aaron. His years of isolation, unlearning, and learning as a shepherd were God’s way of developing the leadership skills needed to guide the newly freed Israelites and bring order and structure. He was positioned to act proactively according to God’s revealed will rather than simply react to the suffering of slavery. It is common for God to choose someone for special service based on criteria different from what men would normally consider. He is sovereign in all His ways and accomplishes His will in a way that pleases Him.
When Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses' wife, they really missed the real issue. Their accusation, if not racial discrimination, at least looked like it. There was nothing illegal or immoral about Moses’ marriage to Zipporah. The supposed charge was just an excuse, probably because she was not an Israelite. Moses understood that God had given him his role and that he shared a special relationship with God. He didn't flaunt that, nor did he show pride about it. His meekness and humility were genuine.
Grace still faces opposition from law-keepers. In the New Testament days, Jews often opposed Gentiles, and even today, Gentiles look down on Jews. Moses and his Gentile bride are models of Christ and His Church. Racial discrimination caused jealousy then, just as it does now. The real reason behind the accusation against Moses' wife, whatever it was, was the jealousy of Miriam and Aaron. They envied Moses' position and influence. Their false accusation obscured the true reason for their jealousy from God's view.
Attacking a person's work and character is often used as a deception to try to bring someone down from the work God has called them to. Although mature people are aware of this tactic, unjust criticism still occurs because people are afraid to admit the real reason behind the attack. Jealousy must be dealt with while it is still just a thought. Once it becomes a tangible issue, it is much harder to handle. Like any persisted sin, jealousy causes serious pain for both those who entertain it and those toward whom it is directed.
When the Lord speaks “suddenly,” immediate action is required. “The Lord came down” to address a serious issue personally. When He “stood in the door,” it’s clear that the time has come to confront sin. Even more, when the Lord calls people by name, there is nothing hidden, and He wants us to recognize that. When He is angry and when He departs, nothing worse can occur. Public rebuke must be followed by public shame before there can be public restoration.