Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses. Why did they do that? They criticized their brother because Moses’ wife was not an Israelite. Moses had grown up in the king’s palace in Egypt, but he had run away and lived in Midian for many years before God called him to lead his people out of Egypt. And in Midian, Moses had married the daughter of a sheep herder who had taken him into his household (see Exodus 2-3).
But there was more. Aaron and Miriam seemed to be jealous that God had chosen Moses to be the main speaker of God’s will and his law to the people.
What a searing pain Moses must have had in his heart when his family members criticized him. That must have been heartbreaking. But Moses did not speak out. He remained humble, despite the accusations. And God dealt with the matter.
There may come a time when we are criticized and treated unfairly. What should we do then? We should look to God, persevere, and know that God will take care of things. God will deal justly with people who do wrong. God will make things right.
Just as Moses prayed for people who had done wrong, just as Jesus prayed for those who crucified him, we too can pray for people who mistreat us.
Loving God, even when our friends and family members mistreat us or even persecute us, help us to persevere and wait for you to set things right. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Jang Ho Park
Jang Ho Park is a pastor in Tacoma, Washington. He and his wife, Jong Boon, have two sons.
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