Numbers 12:2. “And they said, ‘Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath He not spoken also by us?’ And the Lord heard it.” CRUEL AS THE GRAVE. Trivial arguments like children would have – Why are you picking on your brother? Surely you are not that small that you don’t like her color? Is that really the reason you are so upset with Moses? Or is there another reason, a darker side to this whole problem? You two sound like spoiled children.
No, there is something more that meets the eye here. This is not just sibling rivalry. This complaint you are laying on Moses is deeper. Open your eyes and see what God has been doing through him.
You know, well and good that he is a meek man. His power is kept under control, or a million + people would die.
No fault in his leadership of the people could be found. No fault in his transfer of God’s mind and word. No fault in the carrying out of the building of the tabernacle. No fault in being an instrument in God’s hand. No, there is something far more sinister. This is plain, unadulterated, black, dark jealousy.
Eaten out by jealousy, their criticism grows. They can’t criticize Moses because their jealousy would be seen. They undermine his credibility by challenging his influence. Envy raises its ugly head and pride follows close behind. They create a diversion like subtle enemies do – but this is your brother. Stop and face the real issue – you want his place.
Smoke screens darken the vision in homes, countries and churches. Unjust criticisms become major problems though they start small. Jealousy over place, position, possessions and influence hinders the work. Attack on a person’s character is a fundamental problem that angers God. Watch out when you attack God’s appointed and God’s anointed. When God steps in to make correction – serious things happen.
Don’t take silly criticism personally – there is another reason behind it. Remember, “The Lord heard it,” and He will act in His own time. When the Lord comes down to deal with people, this is not a small matter. To speak against one who God has used as a spokesperson is sin. God compares the act, to the unthinkable – a father spitting in his daughter’s face. Repentance and true confession are the only way back to fellowship – there are consequences.
“As I read this, Father, I kind of got shivery because You are the same today as You were then. This same thing happens now on times. People say things and don’t realize who they are talking about and what they are saying. The criticism of preachers is far too common and I fear for those who engage in such conversations. Please, O please: keep me from such a thing as putting a person down because I am jealous of them, their gift or their position. I ask this sincerely and humbly, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”