Lesson from Miriam!

This week's woman of the week was Miriam. We first see Miriam playing the caretaker of her younger brother Moses and placing him in the water. She then watches over him and ensures that someone finds him. When Pharoah's daughter finally finds him, Miriam then approaches her and gets his own Mother to nurse him. This child she protected grew up to write the first five books of the Bible and led the Israelites out of Egypt. For most of us this is all we have really heard about Miriam....but there is more to this story. After years of being away from Moses while he grew up, Aaron, Miriam and Moses were again reunited when God led the Israelites out of Egypt. All three played roles as leaders as the Israelites escaped and wandered in the wilderness. In a society dominated by men, Miriam obviously developed into a woman in the limelight. It was apparent how the women followed Miriam and the respect they had for her. She was called a prophetess. Yet....She and Aaron both began to resent Moses and the greater leadership role God gave him. This resentment led to Miriam being punished and struck with leprosy for a week and then God healed her. This story indicates how God deals with leaders rather strongly who loose their focus and manifest self over others and HIM. The nation of Israel waited while Miriam was outcast from them for a week and were happy when she returned. Years later when Mariam died the nation mourned her death for 30 days. This shows how much the people respected Miriam who is probably the first woman in he Bible we read of being such a leader. As others before her....she is portrayed in all her human frailty, yet was a beloved figure in the history of Israel. She was remembered more in honor than in shame. So....should we be like Miriam and be bitter and jealous of the leaders we have over us? Or should we support and pray for them? Scripture tells us that we are subject to them and that we should pray and give thanksgiving for all those in authority. How good are we at doing this? Instead of praying for them and trusting God, do we spend MORE time cutting them down and speaking bitterly about them. Maybe we should learn from Mariam and spend more time on our knees in prayer for our leaders and less time using our tongues in all the wrong ways! How much more could be accomplished if we REALLY believed in a mighty God that listens to our prayers!!!