What does God think about a critical attitude towards His leaders? Is it all too common in our churches? Let’s look at Numbers 12.
Why did Miriam and Aaron denounce Moses?
Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this. (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) (Numbers 12:1-3 NIV)
How quickly did God deal with this kind of undermining going on?
Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of meeting!” 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. And they both went forward. (Numbers 12:4-5 NKJV)
What did God have to say about this kind of attitude?
And the Lord said to them, “Now listen to what I say: “If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams. But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust. I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:6-8 NLT)
Who seems to have been the main instigator, judging by the punishment given?
Yahweh’s anger burned against them; and he departed. The cloud departed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, please don’t count this sin against us, in which we have done foolishly, and in which we have sinned. Let her not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, “Heal her, God, I beg you!” Yahweh said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, shouldn’t she be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut up outside of the camp seven days, and after that she shall be brought in again.” Miriam was shut up outside of the camp seven days, and the people didn’t travel until Miriam was brought in again. Afterward the people traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Paran. (Numbers 12:9-16 WEB)
If a church leader has a major fault, how should we approach him? The word presbyter usually means an elder or overseer of a church, but can also include any older man.
Never speak harshly to an older man [presbyter], but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. (1 Timothy 5:1a CEB)
Did Jesus warn us about false prophets? Are some even in church leadership?
Watch out for false prophets! They dress up like sheep, but inside they are wolves who have come to attack you. (Matthew 7:15 CEV)
Generally speaking, how should we treat our faithful local church leaders?
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17 ESV)
What does God think about a critical attitude towards His leaders? Is it all too common in our churches? You decide!
