(And the Lord Heard Part 2)

Numbers 12:3

New King James Version

 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)

For Meditation

The fury of God against Aaron and Miriam concerning their brother, Moses! What a terrifying moment when God summoned the two before Him.

“Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, ‘Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of meeting!’” (Nu. 12:4).

I don’t know about you, but I would have fainted.

“So, the three came out. Then the Lord came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle and called Aaron and Miriam” (5).

So, they both went forward into the inquisition of their lives (6-8). Why was God so angry about what He heard, and what made Moses so special and untouchable? The Bible says he was extremely humble (3), faithful (6-7), and intimate with God (8).

For the Holy Spirit to call someone more humble than anyone on the face of the earth (3NIV) is spectacular, but that is what forty years of training in the wilderness of Sinai tending the flock of Jethro had done to the hotheaded Moses—like a tamed wild horse.

Humility is submission to God in total obedience, even to death. It is meekness—strength under control. It assumes the position of an unselfish servant who approves all that God, his Master, wills and commands. Humility is inclusive and seeks the interests of other people. No wonder it is a Christlike attitude (Phil. 2:6-8) and a gem in the Christian life.

From the lofty palace of Pharaoh and academia to his rushed defense of his people in Goshen, God had transformed Moses in the Sinai wilderness into a lowly shepherd, prepared to lead His stubborn flock for the next forty years in the same terrain. How transformed was he at his call to service? Consider two examples.

In the matter of Eldad and Medad (Nu. 11:29), Moses rebuked Joshua for his immature recommendation instead of being jealous. He desired that all God’s people would enjoy the same privilege of prophesying. Then, concerning his brother and sister’s malicious and slanderous accusations, Moses sacrificed resentment for intercession (12:9-13). Even when God wanted to wipe Israel out and create a new people out of him, Moses rejected the offer for the majestic glory of God among the heathen nations (Exod. 32:9-13). What a man!

Commenting on Moses’s humility, C. H. Mackintosh writes: “Here Moses breathes the spirit of the Master, and prays for those who had spoken so bitterly against him. This was victory—the victory of a meek man—the victory of grace. A man who knows his right place in the presence of God is able to rise above all evil-speaking. He is not troubled by it, save for those who practice it; he can afford to forgive; he is not touchy, tenacious, or self-occupied. He knows that no one can put him lower than he deserves to be; and hence if any speak against him, he can meekly bow his head and pass on, leaving himself and his cause in the hands of Him who [judges] righteously, and who will assuredly reward every man according to his works.”

That’s the man Moses —a servant of God, humbled and obedient to God and His call upon his life, therefore wishing all God’s people to prosper, and interceding for his detractors. You and I can walk with such dignity for the glory of God the Father and Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Pray with Me

Father, thank you for the example of your Son, Jesus Christ, in humility, the character you applauded and rewarded in your servant Moses. May your Spirit enable me to emulate their example and eschew pride of any kind. In Jesus’ matchless name. Amen!

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