Numbers 2:2

New International Version (NIV)

 “The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family.”

For meditation

There is a sweet ting around this scripture that warms my heart as a child of God and leader. It rings from the premise of obedience and intimate relationship with the Lord. I hear from it a gladsome assurance that God has the back of His children in the wicked world of rumor mongering. It gives His faithful servants the peace they need to concentrate on their assignment here on earth and finish it well.

“Has the Lord spoken only through Moses … Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” The text says “And the Lord heard this” (Nu. 2:2). Isn’t that wonderful? Big brother Aaron and Sister Miriam were being rebellious in their opposition to Moses’ marriage to a Cushite woman (1). In their indiscretion, they revealed a deep seated malady that every Christian must guard against – jealousy! It is a cancer that destroys relationships and fellowship within the church. Can you imagine what the rebellion of Aaron and Miriam could have accomplished if God had left it unchecked? But the scripture says, “The Lord heard this.” The Omniscient God heard their malicious talk and He hated it! The high priest and his prophetess sister were rumor mongering a bit on their little brother, the darling boy of God Almighty, and perhaps enjoying it. I don’t know what their intention was, but the text warmly says, “And the Lord heard this.” Moses may have been oblivious of the engagement of his two family members and the fury of their attack, but God had his back. And when God has your back, glory to Jesus, you are really covered!

1. Who said sibling rivalry started only yesterday?
2. Who said the company of family and friends invokes immunity against hatred and jealousy on a person’s behalf?
3. Does the barrage of slanderous rumor and disparaging comments about your work surprise you?
4. Have they confused and threatened your peace?
5. Are you worried because some people think they can do a better job than you are doing?

Maybe you should read what the text says again, and this time, very slowly and carefully: “And the Lord heard this.” You can be sure; my friend that the Lord has heard your detractors too, and He does not like it. You may not even know it; but God has your back! He will defend you against them, just as He defended Moses against Aaron and Miriam. Only, be steadfast in your commitment and let integrity guide you through all your engagements.

The battle is not yours; it is the Lord’s!