So Miriam was shut outside the camp seven days, and the people did not set out on the march till Miriam was brought in again. Numbers 12:15 – Today’s chapter reveals a conflict between Moses and his siblings Miriam and Aaron. Jealousy arose within Miriam and Aaron for Moses had been given by the Lord a unique level of authority over Israel. Why they wanted that authority after how the nation had been complaining so much in the previous chapter is unknown to me, yet they wanted it and chose to speak against Moses. The Lord heard their words and we see the Lord address this. Miriam, seemingly the key instigator, is struck with leprosy as a punishment. While not permanent for Moses prayed for her healing, she was cast out of the camp for a full week. Notice though what is said in our verse, the camp remained where they were as they waited on Miriam. The entire nation of Israel who was on their way to their Promised Land was held back a full week from stepping into it because of the sin of Miriam and Aaron. While yes, this whole generation would wander for forty years and die off before ever stepping into the Promised Land, that sentence hadn’t been made yet. We have many thousands then who could have been closer to God’s blessing held back because of someone’s sin. Let us recognize this can still happen today. Our sin not only can keep us from stepping into God’s blessing, but it can cause others to be held back from it to. Our sin can hold back an entire church from experiencing God’s revival. Our sin can hold back a family from experiencing God’s joy. Sin has consequences, and sadly those consequences can equate many people missing the blessing God had in store for them. Before you say yes to sin again, dwell on how that sin could keep your loved ones from seeing God’s blessing and how your faithfulness could shepherd them into His blessing. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3362
Question To Ponder: What is a blessing that could be held back because of sin?
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