"but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ"  - Ephesians 4:15 (NIV). 

It is said when Moses's parents decided to save him from slaughter by placing him in a boat of reeds that sailed away to his rescue, "His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him" (Exodus 2:4). Many believe that sister to be Miriam- who would later grow into a prophetess in her right, leading the women from slavery, as Moses led the wider nation.

Perhaps because she was a big sister Miriam could not bear when Moses made certain decisions without taking her into confidence. One involved Moses taking on a wife from the Cushites, an enemy tribe. She camped with her brother Aaron and the two whispered harshly against Moses."Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite.  (Numbers 12: 1).

It was not just about marriage but they went as far as to grumble, "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” (vv 2). All clearly shows there were deeper issues. "And the Lord heard this " (vv 2).

The rebuke from the Lord was instant. "Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? ”The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them. When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam’s skin was leprous it became as white as snow (vv 8-12).

Miriam's slip (together with Aaron) was to fail to observe that as leaders they could of course have not engaged in this bad mouthing a leader but found a way to express their concerns to Moses in person. The simple lesson here is that certain concerns by any of us are better expressed directly to the one involved, than through the back door.

Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that you help me use my office well to bring honour and not disgrace, this I pray in Jesus's name.