Numbers 12

 

 

Learn Humility Like Moses (Numbers 12:1-16)

 

Verse 3: "Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth."

 

In Western movies, we often see wild horses being tamed. A wild horse is not easy to catch and tie. Even if tied, if you try to mount it,

it will resist fiercely and throw you off. Then one day, I saw a wild horse being meticulously trained by a professional horseman and finally tamed. A horse that used to make a fuss and create a commotion when someone tried to ride it now carries a person on its back and obeys its master's

commands. This is the meaning of the Hebrew word 'humility'. Today's passage says Moses was like that. He, too, once lived as he pleased,

like a wild horse. Yet, this Moses took off his sandals before God and followed Him, eventually being used in the great journey of the Exodus.

Through today's passage, I hope we can learn the humility of Moses.

 

 

1. Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses (vv.1-3)

1) In verse 1, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife.

2) Miriam seemed to lead the criticism, with Aaron consenting.

3) Moses offered no defense against this criticism.

4) God's recognition and judgment in this incident are found in verse 3.

 

2. The LORD calls the three to the Tent of Meeting (4-8)

1) God suddenly called Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the Tent of Meeting.

2) God rebuked those who spoke against Moses.

3) Anyone who is self-centered, like Miriam and Aaron, is the same.

4) In fact, Aaron was Moses' spokesman, and Miriam was a prophetess. 

 

3. Punishment for the criticism and Moses' prayer (9-16)

1) Ultimately, God became angry and departed from them.

2) Furthermore, Miriam was afflicted with leprosy.

3) Only then did Aaron confess Moses as Lord and humble himself.

4) Moses, having received God's answer, halted the march for seven days.

 

Conclusion: Learn Humility Like Moses

1) The Israelite army had been scattered in the wilderness and was on the verge of annihilation.

2) For a soldier of Christ, all self-centeredness is an act of self-destruction.

3) Since the Lord is always with us, we can entrust everything to the Lord.

4) Moses did not become anxious or complain because of the words spoken against him.

 

Humility is a characteristic of our Lord Jesus Christ. The humility that the Bible speaks of is a devout spiritual state gained through suffering,

and an attitude of humbly relying on God. A humble person does not resent others even in suffering but relies on God. Moses, in his humility,

did not get angry at Miriam and Aaron's criticism but entrusted the matter entirely to God. God took Moses' side.

Humility is the greatest wisdom of believing that 'God is the problem solver' and relying on Him.

We hope to hold onto the 3 todays and follow the Lord alone, enjoying the blessing of the humble.