Deuteronomy 24

“Be careful in a case of infectious skin disease, following carefully everything the Levitical priests instruct you to do. Be careful to do as I have commanded them. Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the Journey after you left Egypt.” Deuteronomy 24:8-9 (HCSB)

On a causal fly-over, today’s passage could be interpreted in a number of ways. But because the Lord included a reference to Miriam, we have a better understanding as to what He was trying to communicate. Let’s revisit the story of Miriam’s leprosy.

“When the two of them (Aaron and Miriam) came forward, the Lord said, ‘Listen to what I say: If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so, with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My household. I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. So why were you not afraid to speak against My servant, Moses?’ The Lord’s anger burned against them, and He left. As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, as white as snow.” Numbers 12:5b-10a (HCSB)

Here’s the scenario: Miriam and Aaron were Moses’ elder siblings. Aaron was first born, so it was his “birthright” to lead their family spiritually. Miriam was the older sister who had watched over the floating basket containing baby Moses.

Given their elder status and their histories of caring for Moses, it seems logical that they would be compelled to “lead” him. Familiarity breeds contempt. In fact, it was their family rank and relation to Moses which presumed their right to criticize his decisions.

Problem: Moses was God’s servant, doing what the Lord directed him to do. Questioning Moses meant questioning God.

Our present-day application is simple. When you sin against God by questioning His institution of leadership and or His faithful leaders, watch out! The Lord may allow you to contract some form of “leprosy” (physical or metaphorical). And God will use that rebuke (that desperate circumstance He allows in your life as a result of your rebellion) in order to drive you to submit to the comfort, care, and direction of the very ministers you criticized.