Numbers 12 – 17
Principle – When we rebel against our church leaders we are actually rebelling against God.
Numbers 12:1-3 ---- And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. ... And they said, Hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it... (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Moses' siblings, Miriam and Aaron, begin to rebel against Moses. They first complained about how Moses married an Ethiopian woman. But he had married her a long time before. It would seem that complaining about Moses' wife was only a smokescreen and not the real issue.
Miriam and Aaron's real issue was Moses' role as a prophet or God's authoritative spokesman.
Today it is not uncommon to challenge the prophet. Often a person does not agree with what the prophet is asking them to do or to obey. They may not have a testimony that the prophet is speaking for God.
In the case of Moses, the scriptures tell us that he was a very humble man, 'more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." (Numbers 12:3). Moses did not seek power and was one of the meekest men on the earth. He only remained in his leadership role out of obedience to Heavenly Father.
Aaron and Miriam were rebuked for speaking against Moses
(Numbers 12:4-9) --- The Lord called Aaron, Miriam, and Moses to come to the tabernacle where he met them in a pillar of cloud. The Lord asked Miriam and Aaron why they weren't afraid to speak against Moses, since he was the Lord's personal servant and because Aaron had seen God's glory on Moses' face.
4 And the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. 5 And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. 6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
When the cloud lifted, Miriam had leprosy. He had to leave her people and live on the outskirts. Aaron pleaded for mercy from Moses and confessed of his and Miriam's sins so Moses asked God to hear her.
8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? 9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed. 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother’s womb. 13 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 14 ¶ And the Lord said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.
Miriam was rebuked more harshly because she spoke first and was the instigator.
Miriam was rebuked more harshly because she spoke first and was the instigator.
Why is it important to listen to and follow our modern day prophet?
As members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we sustain the members of our First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. We believe that their teachings reflect the will of the Lord. The prophets give us instruction, counsel, and warnings from the Lord for our specific day. When we follow the prophets counsels we are blessed with peace, spiritual strength, and safety.
Dcotrine & Coveneants 21:1 -- thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ...4 - thou shalt give hedd unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;...5 - for his word ye shall receive as if from mine own mouth in all patience and faith...6 - For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory 7 - For thus saith the Lord God; Him have I inspired to make the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.
Dcotrine & Coveneants 21:1 -- thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ...4 - thou shalt give hedd unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;...5 - for his word ye shall receive as if from mine own mouth in all patience and faith...6 - For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory 7 - For thus saith the Lord God; Him have I inspired to make the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.
Talks to read on following the prophet ----
To be in harmony with heaven's divine purposes, we sustain the prophet and choose to live according to his words.
STAY IN THE BOAT AND HOLD ON! Elder M. Russell Ballard
If we keep our focus on the Lord, we are promised a blessing beyond comparison
CHOSEN TO BEAR TESTIMONY OF MY NAME by Elder David A. Bednar
It is wonderful to have older men of great spiritual maturity and judgment serving in the senior leadership positions of the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
STANDING WITH THE LEADERS OF THE CHURCH by Elder Ronald A. Rasband
Are you standing with the leaders of the Church in a darkening world so that you might spread the Light of Christ?
Videos
How do we sustain a prophet?We need living Prophets
Prophets in the land again
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