Friday, May 28th, 2010

Was it Gossip or Something More?

So… was it gossip or something more?

First let’s look at who Miriam was. Scripture tells us she was the sister of Moses and the one who made sure after his rescue from the river that he was cared for and nursed by his birth mother while he grew up under Egyptian Royalty.
 
Later in life Miriam served God alongside of her brothers Moses and Aaron. Moses was the leader of the people and as the scripture tells us in Numbers 12:7-8 Moses was beloved of God, a trusted member of God’s household, someone to whom God spoke with mouth to mouth. Aaron was the High Priest, and some consider Miriam to have filled the third position of this leadership team as the Prophet. There are others who believe Miriam was the leader of the women and one who led the people in worship and song. Whichever theory you hold to, it is clear that Miriam was important to the triumvirate and a woman who held authority.  As someone with authority among the people, she could not afford to speak inappropriately and chance even the appearance of disgracing God or God’s appointed.

When we think of Miriam the first thing, most of us remember is her bout with the infectious skin condition that caused her to spend time ostracized outside the camp. The unclean condition came upon her after her twofold conversation with Aaron about Moses ‘wife, the Cushite, and her comments regarding Moses hearing from God. 
So…was Miriam engaging in gossip or was it something more? The consequences that followed her actions were harsh.

On the surface it is easy to say she was gossiping and complaining. Some believe she was making a racial judgment because Zipporah the Cushite was dark skinned; then there are those who believe she was just grumbling to Aaron because she wanted people to know Moses was not the only one God talked to.

Personally this portion has humbled me greatly.  Like Miriam I too have been involved in inappropriate conversation with those I serve alongside of.  Thankfully I have been spared Miriam’s consequences. Today, as followers of the same God, we cannot afford even the slightest impropriety in our area of service to the people of God because as in the days of Moses, Aaron and Miriam, the living God is in our midst, and we are called to bring Him honor and Glory in all we do and in everything we say.

So…were Miriam’s words just gritty gossip or perhaps there was something more underneath?  Either way, it is clear that Miriam’s communication was hurtful and did not honor God or God’s appointed.

Let us be encouraged by the Psalmists words, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight oh Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” Ps.19:14  
Mary Haller