SCRIPTURE: Numbers 12
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
In Numbers 11 we see the Spirit of the Lord resting on the 70 elders, to assist Moses in leading the people. When two of them receive the Spirit in a different way, Joshua wants to clamp down on them, but Moses is not worried. He is not looking for his own glory. He wishes everyone was like him, filled with the Spirit [Numbers 11:26-30]. Apparently Moses was a very humble man [Numbers 12:3, did he write this verse in?]. This was not about him, it was about the Lord and His purpose!
Unfortunately Aaron and Miriam lost sight of this. So did James and John, two of Jesus disciples. They sent their mother to ask Jesus for high positions in His kingdom government. The other disciples were indignant (or jealous that they got there first). But Jesus challenges their selfish motives: “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’” [Matthew 20:25-28] The same rebuke could be given to Aaron and Miriam.
Even though God had a special, face-to-face relationship with Jesus, as well as with Moses, they both showed humility and a servant spirit. It’s not about position, power or popularity. It’s about the Lord, His purpose, His mission, His glory. It’s about denying ourselves for the sake of the Lord and others. Those who humble themselves like this end up being exalted. But those who (like Aaron, Miriam, James, John) exalt themselves, end up being humbled. This is the way of Jesus, the way of the cross, the way of the kingdom. This is how God does things.
The Lord has given His Spirit to all people, and wants a personal, face-to-face relationship with us. To experience this, we need to be honest, humble and hopeful in Him. He can only do great things through us if we first become small before Him. I know, it sounds counterintuitive, but its true!
PRAYER:
Lord, I admit that at times I want people to notice me, what I am doing, the successes I have. Please help me to be more interested in blessing others than in being noticed or appreciated by them.
Here is a great leader – who speaks with God face to face and yet it was said that he was the humblest man upon the earth. Doing God’s will, walking God’s way, leading the people and yet was the least among the people. That’s GodStrong.
Miriam and Aaron wanted the respect and honor the people gave Moses. Jealousy. Envey. Power. Honor. Respect. They lost their vision on their purpose in the kingdom for God’s Spirit is upon all His people. Our work is God’s work and not ego work. We all need to be servant leaders – foot washers – as Christ Jesus was among us. We must become less and He more.
Help me daily Lord to LiveStrong so others may see I am GodStrong since I am a Jesus follower. Help me daily in my LightShine.
All to Jesus, I surrender,
All to Him I freely give
I will ever love & serve Him
In His presence, daily live.
I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour, I surrender all