Destruction of Jealousy

"Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman." Numbers 12:1

I can't imagine the betrayal Moses must have felt by Aaron and Miriam speaking against him. Moses was a man with few allies in Israel, but when Aaron and Miriam turned against him, he became alone. God was the only one on his side. Part of being called to a position of leadership and God's blessing is other people's jealousy. Although Aaron and Miriam held a high position of power in Israel and with God, they became jealous of Moses' favored status and sought to undermine his influence by attacking his wife. There was no reason for them to not be grateful for God's gift to them, but instead they let their jealousy of Moses fester and it led them to betray him. At some point in time, all of us will find ourselves on one or both sides of this  situation. With God's blessing and favor comes other people's jealousy. And with God's blessing being poured out to other people, the temptation to covet what they have and neglect what we have been given will always be before us. Ultimately, their jealousy led to Miriam's leprosy and being outcast of the camp for a week. But furthermore, it placed a riff between them and Moses that was probably insurmountable to fully overcome. What is interesting about this story is who is ultimately hurt by Aaron and Miriam's gossip is Aaron and Miriam. Although Moses was temporarily bruised by the betrayal of his friends, it was his friends who lost the most.

Lord Jesus, keep us from jealousy and coveting your blessing. Give us contentment in all that you do!