Numbers

This past Sunday we studied the book of Numbers in a brief overview as we make our way through the Old Testament. For many years I would avoid the Old Testament, I didn't think I would understand it. But now, I just enjoy Numbers and Deuteronomy like I'm a scholar or something.

This morning I was reading in Numbers 12. In this particular passage, Miriam and Aaron have found themselves in the middle of the desert with thousands of their closest friends and family. Of all people, they start grumbling about their brother, Moses. They begin to first gossip about his Cushite wife but move to the real heart of the issue when Miriam says, "Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses?" (Numbers 12:2).

As I began to read further into the chapter, the Lord began to convict me of my own grumblings against others. I've been jealous of others and their ministries, their businesses, their life. How on earth does that happen? I believe the enemy plants a lie within us that proclaims others to be better at God's work than we can be. There is so much wrong with that statement, but I believe it is true! I have many friends who are just rock stars for the Lord; however, I downplay anything that ever happens to me and how He is using me. Jeremy often reminds me otherwise. But here's my point: in an attempt to appear humble, I'm downplaying the gifts and the ways God is using me because I still at the heart of the matter don't believe I'm good enough. Let's go full circle with this: Miriam and Aaron were clearly failing to see how God was using them and could only focus on Moses and the works he was doing, with great bitterness I might add.

We are all in this together. It's one big Kumbaya moment around a camp fire. All for one and one for all. As followers of Christ, our ultimate goal is Him and proclaiming His name. Jeremy reminded me of one of my favorite parts of the Westminster catechism the other day- The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. If we are being an Aaron or Miriam, we need to check our motives and see what the end of our complaints or gossip are focused toward. The Lord has gifted each of us uniquely. We are each to build His kingdom until He returns. That's our goal. Instead of bitterness, jealousy or strife, we should be the very ones who are encouraging our sisters in the faith. It's all for Him.

Whew! I'm done. I was encouraged. I was challenged. I hope you are too!