June 26, 2019
Welcome to the Wild Side
Numbers 12
Jade Tatsuhara
Central Truth
Don't let your wild child take over. Instead, respect those whom God has placed over you.
Key Verse | Numbers 12:1-2
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.
Numbers 12
Miriam and Aaron Oppose Moses
1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the LORD heard it. 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. 4 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. 5 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. 7 Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. 8 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?” 9 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, 1 12:10 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us 2 12:11 Hebrew do not lay sin upon us because we have done foolishly and have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, whose flesh is half eaten away when he comes out of his mother's womb.” 13 And Moses cried to the LORD, “O God, please heal her—please.” 14 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.” 15 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. 16 After that the people set out from Hazeroth, and camped in the wilderness of Paran.
Dive Deeper | Numbers 12
Growing up, you encounter many different people. I am sure you have probably crossed paths with what some may call a "wild child." Who knows, you might even be one! These people are crazy, troublesome, and don't care about the consequences of their actions.
Because of our sinful nature (Romans 3:23), we all have this wild child within us; it's been with us since the beginning of time (see Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1-13). When we allow this child to take over, we become selfish, disobedient to those in authority, and foolish decision-makers. If we are not careful, we will become a slave to our sin. In the midst of all this, we miss hearing God's voice and overlook what He is trying to teach us.
In Numbers 12, we see Miriam and Aaron rebel against Moses, whom the Lord placed in authority. Moses shows us how to respond to those who attack us. He remained silent—a mark of wisdom in not getting entangled in foolish behavior (Proverbs 26:4).
Moses also demonstrates other ways to invite God into our lives and avoid a habit of rebelling against Him. He sought the Lord daily, humbled himself before his heavenly Father, and trusted Him every step of the way.
I must admit I can be like Miriam and Aaron by allowing disobedience to get the best of me, along with complaining and grumbling. When my rebellious spirit begins to take over, it turns my whole world upside down, taking me forever to realize that I need to surrender and give it up to God. But the amazing thing is that God is patient! He loves us so much that He is willing to wait for us to surrender to Him. He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love (Psalm 103:8).
So, the next time your "wild child" tries to make an appearance, repent and surrender your selfish desires. Trust the Lord. You'll be amazed at the changes in your life.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you more often act in obedience to authority like Moses or in rebellion like Miriam and Aaron?
2. Will you respect those God has placed over you? Will you pray for them, or will you belittle them and complain about their efforts?
3. When was a time you let your wild side get the best of you? Do you have a game plan in place for the next time it tries to take over?