When spiritual authority is Challenged

 Read Numbers 12. 

The leadership challenges for Moses continued.  Only this time the criticism and questioning of his leadership came from his own family.  Though both siblings were involved, it seems that his older sister, Miriam, was the instigator.  

On the surface, the issue that arose concerned Moses' new wife.  This was his second wife.  We are not told what happened, if anything, to his first wife, Zipporah.  Nor are we told what their disagreement was with this new wife, other than she was a Cushite and not an Israelite.  But it did not take long for the root issue to become clear.  Aaron and Miriam questioned Moses' spiritual authority to speak on behalf of God.  Most often, what people criticize about leadership is only the surface problem.  The root (real) issue will reveal itself in time. 

What they absolutely ignored was that Moses did not choose this position.  Indeed, he never wanted it (see Exodus 3-4).  God sovereignly chose him to lead and put him in this position.  So, at its core, they were not questioning Moses, but God Himself.  "And the LORD heard it." (v.2)  That is when God stepped in to speak audibly and unmistakably. 

1. God chooses who will speak for Him.  v. 6a

2. God spoke to the Old Testament prophets often through dreams, visions, an angel, etc..  v.6b

3. God spoke to Moses "mouth to mouth".  In other words, it was audible and personal.  The relationship was like no one else enjoyed. v.8 

Then, God asked these two challengers a question of His own.  "Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?"  They should have respected Moses.  Not because of Moses but because he was merely saying and doing what God wanted said and done.  This criticism was a direct affront to the LORD. 

A Couple Cautions

We must be careful in making a direct application to spiritual leaders today.  The story here does have uniqueness about it.  However, respect for those in authority over us is taught throughout the scriptures.  Leaders are human and there are times when leaders should be asked hard questions, but always the spirit should be one of respect.  The second caution is for leaders not to think more highly of themselves than they should.  Pride goes before a fall.  Those of us who serve in any capacity must remember we are not the owner, only stewards of God's stuff. 

Note the character description of Moses.

1. He served God humbly. (v.3)

2. He served God faithfully. (v.7)

3. He served God personally. (v.8) 

Though none of us will attain Moses' unique position, I believe those are the key character qualities God expects from all us.