Why Does God ask US questions?-by Kathy Collard Miller
Posted: April 5, 2020
Today my blog is written by a friend, Kathy Collard Miller. Kathy and her husband Larry have written an insightful 40 day devotional book which makes us see God in a new and deeper perspective. Enjoy Kathy’s blog which starts with God asking the question: “Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:8)
If you’ve ever felt jealous of God’s choice of someone to fill a position you
wanted, you know why God asked this question.
If you’ve ever felt disappointed because God chose a different path for you than you wanted, you know why God asked this question.
If you’ve ever felt angry because God allowed someone who is inferior to you become your boss, you know why God asked this question.
God is questioning Miriam and Aaron, who are Moses’s closest advisors and siblings. Miriam, the elder sibling, was a part of the plot to save baby Moses’s life as she watched over him as he floated down the river. Aaron was specifically assigned by God to be Moses’s spokesperson when Moses argued with God at the burning bush (Exodus 4:14).
But a lot of water has floated under the bridge since then, including this brother and sister complaining about Moses’s leadership and choices. And the fact God seems to be making him the more prominent leader.
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. (Numbers 12:1-2)
They are jealous and angry. They speak against God’s wisdom and believe God is making a mistake. They don’t recognize the grievous attitude of their hearts is based in a lie about God’s nature. They are saying God is stupid. He isn’t wise. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. In reply God says they should be afraid to make such conclusions about him.
God identifies through his question the motivation for their grumbling and complaints against Moses: having the wrong kind of fear. They aren’t awestruck in wonder of God’s glorious being, who is in charge of everything. Instead, they are afraid of losing status and self-glory. God lovingly reaches out and calls them to account. He knows their hardened hearts are not good for them. Their criticism questions God’s greatness.
Like them, we don’t recognize how our grumbling, criticism, and complaining result from believing God is weak. We aren’t in awe. We think we are speaking against a person or our circumstances, but we are actually criticizing and mistrusting God’s wisdom and control over everything.
Fear is a very strong motivation either toward God or away. Every single one of us is energized by what is most important to us, and what we consider valuable for meeting our needs. The potential of losing what has become an idol—what we are in awe of most and fear surrendering—can diminish acknowledging him as Lord of everything.
It would seem the position of influence and power are Aaron and Miriam’s idol. Miriam and Aaron declare, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” (Numbers 12:2). God questions their values because he knows their jealousy and envy is eating their little hearts alive—to death.
In those moments when surrendering our idol seems dangerous, let’s allow the Holy Spirit to question the reason for our fearful worship. What’s going on in your heart? Are you afraid I’ll remove what you value above me? I know what’s best for you. Reverence and respect me, and let me purify the motives of your heart.
- How is being in awe of God as Lord determined by knowledge about his nature?
- When have you sensed God examining your heart about what you think is worthy to be worshipped?
Eternal God, I praise you and am in awe of your greatness as Lord God Almighty. Thank you for showing me what I value above you.
The Millers have been in ministry since 1978 as speakers, authors, and lay counsellors. They married in 1970 and God empowered them to overcome the dysfunctional marriage and family they had developed early in their marriage. Larry is a retired police lieutenant from Huntington Beach Police Department. Both individually and as a couple they have authored over 55 books and spoken in nine foreign countries. They live in Southern California and are parents and grandparents. Visit them at www.KathyCollardMiller.com
This guest blog is adapted from God’s Intriguing Questions: 40 Old Testament Devotions Revealing God’s Nature
Order God’s Intriguing Questions: 40 Old Testament Devotionals Revealing God’s Nature at:
Reach them at:
www.facebook.com/KathyCollardMillerAuthor and https://www.facebook.com/larry.miller.3532?
Twitter: @KathyCMiller and @LarryMiller
Pinterest/Kathyspeak
