Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Exodus 12:4, “Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, ‘Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of meeting!’ So the three came out.”

Background

Around our house, my children hate to hear me say, “Go to the back bedroom.” And they all hate it because of what they know is going to happen while we are back there. The unfortunate someone is going to get punished. Painful consequences are about to occur in response to what they just did or did not do. And the time in the back room is no picnic. There is discussion of the offense and an appropriate punishment, and then usually some time of prayerful confession and asking for forgiveness. But one thing almost always happens. By the time we leave that room, my child and I are embracing and laughing, fully restored to where our relationship is supposed to be. The dissension is gone and peace has replaced the unrest. Now, I wonder what Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were thinking and feeling when God interrupted their little argument and sent them to the tabernacle. I don’t think He had used this tactic before, so they might have had no clue as to what was about to happen. But while Moses’ siblings were griping against him, verse two says that the Lord heard it. Moses made no defense in response to his siblings’ accusations, but God was about to intervene.

Application

So He explained the situation to them, departed for a bit, and left Miriam with some leprosy to deal with. But after Aaron’s confession, Moses begs for Miriam’s healing, and God returns to make things right. Miriam is shut out of the camp for seven days, but then returns and they continue on their journey. The ugliness of Aaron and Miriam’s acts were dealt with in the tabernacle, but before the Israelites moved on, all was made well again. My kids don’t offend me when they disobey. I merely seek to restore them on God’s behalf, the One who declares right from wrong. Moses, too, was not being attacked, but it was God’s sovereignty that was being challenged. That’s why He stepped in. And that’s why the next best place to being in perfect communion with God is humbly before Him in confession. It’s the only way to get from where you are back to where He wants you.

Charge

As we seek Him today, thank Him for the times in the back bedroom and the tabernacle. And thank Him as you pray that He leads you not into temptation, but delivers you from evil.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words