Vindication
Moses was faithful in little things.
When Miriam and Aaron judged unrighteously, the Lord Jesus testified to Moses’ impeccable service. With him in charge of the Lords house, all was in order.
Scripture reveals God entrusted Moses to receive the blueprint and build the tabernacle; under the Lord’s authority, Moses inaugurated worship and anointed both the tabernacle and the high priest. Aaron, however, was cleansed, dressed, and anointed by Moses. No man anointed Moses, who washed by the water of the Word was purified and anointed by the Lord.
Faithfulness is a trait often lacking among men, but one Moses demonstrated.
Moses is compared to Christ; both were faithful in all God’s house. “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house… And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:1-2, 5-6 KJV).
Moses was a picture of Christ the Man, who was faithful in His Father’s house. As the Lord spoke face to face with Moses, so the Father spoke face to face with Christ. Both were unshakable in devotion, trustworthy, and obedient, both stood firm in adversity. Reliable, each carried out instructions down to the smallest detail; both were found faithful.[1]
Intimacy Of Communication
The Lord told Miriam and Aaron levels of speech, of interaction in communication, and of intimacy reveal depth of relationship. “With Moses I speak mouth to mouth. I do not speak to him in riddles, or parables[2], but Moses looks upon the form, the very likeness, or image[3] of God.”
He also spoke to the prophets. But the degree of intimacy was different between one spoken to in a dream, vision or riddle, and one He spoke to mouth to mouth. Father God spoke to the Lord Jesus mouth to mouth; He did not use riddles or dreams. Jesus spoke mouth to mouth with his disciples. Those who did not trust or love Him were spoken to in riddles and parables. The level of interaction is based on the level of intimacy; it is like knowing a person through texting, versus knowing a person who visits in your home. You may have a happy texting relationship and talk daily with me via your phone, but that cannot compare with the intimacy shared as I welcome you into my home, look into your eyes as we talk, and share a meal with you. Yet, in both relationships there is communication.
Closing Argument
The Lord’s closing argument was powerful. “Knowing this, why were you not afraid to speak against My servant, Moses?” Aaron and Miriam knew Moses had a more intimate relationship with God than they experienced.
I used to believe the God of the Old Testament was angry, while the God of the New Testament was merciful. But the One who spoke to Miriam and Aaron was Christ, the second Person of the Godhead. “Why did you not hesitate out of fear, to put words into order to undermine and assault this one I have chosen to honor? Why don’t you hold Moses in respectful awe, and use the position I gave you, to demonstrate honor for him before the people?”[4] [paraphrase]
Humble Yourself
Beware of slandering another. God listens. His standards are non-negotiable. Protect and provide for the widow and the orphan. Love one another. Bless your enemies, bless and do not curse. Do not judge. Forgive. Slander is verbal abuse; it is to commit murder in your heart. To judge is to reject the Lord.
If Jesus testified to your character, what would He say?
As His Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness and justice, He waits in silence for your response. Do you stiffen your neck in self-defense or denial? How do you respond to His silence? The Holy Spirit calls, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart.” His call is urgent. While there is time to repent, humble yourself before Him.
[1]Faithful: H539 'aman verb – p.r. (Qal) support, confirm, be faithful, uphold nourish: foster-father (subst.); foster-mother; nurse; pillars, supports of the door. (Niphal) be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm: carried by a nurse; lasting; confirmed, verified, reliable, faithful, trusty. (Hiphil) stand firm, trust, be certain, believe in. To stay, sustain, support; hence firm, unshaken, one you may safely lean upon. Gesenius’. Accessed 28 Feb 15. Greek equivalent is G4103 pistos faithful in transaction of business, execution of commands, or discharge of official duties; kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust; reliable. Accessed 4 Mar 15.
[2]Not in dark speeches: H2420 chiydah feminine noun from H2330 (propose a riddle); riddle, parable, enigmatic sayings or questions (dark obscure utterances). Ibid.
[3]Similitude: H8544 tĕmuwnah fem. noun from H4327; form, image, likeness, representation. Ibid.
[4]Wherefore then were you not afraid: H3372 verb – p.r. to fear, revere, be afraid: stand or hold in awe, honor, respect; inspire reverence, godly fear or awe; to hesitate out of fear. Ibid.
