But Moses said to him, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!’” vs. 29
Numbers 11:24-29
Joshua was one of the 70 elders chosen by Moses to help with leadership responsibilities during the wilderness wanderings. Evidently Joshua was pleased with the resulting prestige and complained when unchosen men started speaking for the Lord. Moses nailed the problem with the question, “Are you jealous?” And Moses was right! That’s how it’s always been with humans–the green-eyed monster is alive and well and operates on every level, and is particularly active among the religious. We may talk about the priesthood of all believers, but in reality church leaders guard their positions and perks with amazing zeal. They just don’t like it when others infringe on their staked-out territories. No matter how talented, men and women are barred from priestly and prophetic activities unless they have all the credentials–and it’s not just to protect the integrity of the gospel. A good deal of the exclusion is petty and motivated mostly by jealousy. While the Spirit of God is real and active in our world much of what goes on in religion is little more than petty gamesmanship nurtured and fed by overactive egos. The good news is that the Spirit has not been quenched and has been at work in the most unlikely places through supremely unqualified people. God’s will will be done! And we’re not in control!
Thought for the Day: When am I most likely to be jealous?
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