Is there a Caleb among Us?

Numbers 11 - 13

The people fell to grumbling over their hard life. GOD heard. When he heard his anger flared; then fire blazed up and burned the outer boundaries of the camp. The people cried out for help to Moses; Moses prayed to GOD and the fire died down. They named the place Taberah (Blaze) because fire from GOD had blazed up against them. Numbers 11:1-3 THE MESSAGE

I remember in our earlier readings that when we complain, we are really complaining against God. The last few days have been really difficult and felt inwardly the struggle to complain versus the message the Lord may have for me to shape me to be more like Him. Reading through the Bible as a personal love letter is changing my perspective and the events that life bring my way. I have to stop and pause and see what God may be doing in me and my heart.

GOD answered Moses, "So, do you think I can't take care of you? You'll see soon enough whether what I say happens for you or not." Numbers 11:23 THE MESSAGE

I was reminded again that God does take care of me even in the difficult times. God IS faithful!

Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses behind his back because of his Cushite wife (he had married a Cushite woman). They said, "Is it only through Moses that GOD speaks? Doesn't he also speak through us?"

GOD overheard their talk.

Now the man Moses was a quietly humble man, more so than anyone living on Earth. GOD broke in suddenly on Moses and Aaron and Miriam saying, "Come out, you three, to the Tent of Meeting." The three went out. GOD descended in a Pillar of Cloud and stood at the entrance to the Tent. He called Aaron and Miriam to him. When they stepped out, he said,

Listen carefully to what I'm telling you.
If there is a prophet of GOD among you,
I make myself known to him in visions,
I speak to him in dreams.
But I don't do it that way with my servant Moses;
he has the run of my entire house;
I speak to him intimately, in person,
in plain talk without riddles:
He ponders the very form of GOD.
So why did you show no reverence or respect
in speaking against my servant, against Moses?

The anger of GOD blazed out against them. And then he left. Numbers 12:1-9 THE MESSAGE

I have been guilty of this, maybe not outwardly, but within my thought life. I have wondered why someone has been put into leadership or given an opportunity to do something. When I examine my heart through the lens of Scripture, I am like Miriam. Ouch! That stings!

Caleb interrupted, called for silence before Moses and said, "Let's go up and take the land — now. We can do it." Numbers 13:30 THE MESSAGE

I just love it when there is a "Caleb" among us! Who are the Calebs in your life?

Lord, it has been some difficult days. I trust in You. You are faithful to do what You say! Help me not to complain! Thank you for the Calebs you have put in my life that generate excitement that can see through Your eyes what is in store!

--michele