Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Questions of Fairness

Scripture Passage that Caught My Attention Today: Numbers 12:9-15 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed. 10 When the cloud went away from over the tent, Miriam had become leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned towards Miriam and saw that she was leprous. 11 Then Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord, do not punish us for a sin that we have so foolishly committed. 12 Do not let her be like one stillborn, whose flesh is half consumed when it comes out of its mother’s womb.” 13 And Moses cried to the LORD, “O God, please heal her.” 14 But the LORD said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut out of the camp for seven days, and after that she may be brought in again.” 15 So Miriam was shut out of the camp for seven days; and the people did not set out on the march until Miriam had been brought in again.

Observation: To begin, I should point out that this passage is connected to the first 8 verses of the chapter as well. Aaron, Miriam and another person were criticizing Moses for marrying the Cushite woman. God got wind of it and was upset with them. God called Aaron and Miriam to a meeting, chastised them both, but then punished Miriam only. Frankly, this seems really unfair. Aaron did the same thing that Miriam did, and she’s the only one that got punished? And besides, Moses had done something that was against the law (he married a Cushite woman). But on the bright side, apparently the law is not always binding when people in good faith (like Moses) try to do a loving thing (in this case marrying a foreigner) and also we see that the community did not move on until Miriam was able to join them again.

Application: Life is really unfair sometimes, even within the community of faith. I do not understand why Miriam had consequences but Aaron did not. It would be easier to understand if some earthly ruler had made the discipline decisions. But this the Lord, God Almighty! Surely the Lord could render a more fair judgment.

I know…I’m but dust and ashes and am not in a position to judge anyone, let alone the Lord of all. Still, even Moses and Aaron seemed appalled that the Lord would do such a thing. So I’m not alone in these feelings. In fact, I’m in good company…though apparently even good company can be wrong!

(Scripture readings included Numbers 12-13, Psalm 90, and Mark 2)

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