Sibling Rivalry - Miriam

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I am the big sister to my little sister, and although we are close and I love her very much, we have had our fair share of rough times.  Often times it seemed like we were constantly vying for our parents' attention.

Siblings do that.  Even Biblical siblings - it's not a new story, looking for your parent's attention and praise - it began with the very first pair of siblings actually, Cain and Abel.  And when the desired result is not recognized or attained, bitterness and jealousy creep in.

Miriam was the oldest sister of Aaron and Moses, and I'm guess she had to grow up pretty quickly, being born into slavery in Egypt and also being called on by her mother to watch as Moses' basket boat drifted down the river.  She was smart, clever, and brave - approaching Pharaoh's daughter and suggesting the baby boy be nursed by his own mother.  But when Moses went to live the high life in Pharaoh's palace, Miriam and Aaron remained in bondage and captivity.

So it's easy to imagine that at some point, the bitterness and jealousy would come out.  And the two siblings probably did not really care about who Moses' wife was (yep - they were caught talking ugly about their brother's wife...again...not a new story...).  More than likely they were jealous that, although God spoke through both Miriam and Aaron, God had chosen Moses as "His Servant" to lead Israel. 

The Father heard the grumbles and called the sister and brother out.  And no one wants to be caught and called out --- and punished.

Only Miriam is punished, the thought being that she was the instigator of the whole ordeal.  Moses, unlike me (sorry Sissy), did not take pleasure in Miriam's punishment.  Instead, he cried out to God for her healing.  He offered her forgiveness which ultimately led to her healing.

And to our knowledge, Miriam did not allow jealousy and pride the opportunity to take over again.

Sibling stuff is tough.  They are chosen for us.  They just show up one day.  And they take up space that used to be reserved for you.

But they are also your first friends and they understand you on a deeper level because you shared a good portion of your growing up together. 

Trust me.  My sister and I could not be any more different than we are.  And yet, we can look beyond our differences and love one another, no matter what.  This has required a ginormous amount of forgiveness and healing, but I wouldn't trade her for the world.

Are you allowing bitterness, pride, jealousy, and anger prevent you from relationships with your siblings?  I would encourage you to pray over each one of your siblings and ask for healing in those relationships.  They are precious.  Forgiveness is hard, but the burden of unforgiveness is heavy.


You can read more about Miriam's story at She Reads Truth.  Also read Exodus 1:8 - 21; 14:21 - 31; 15:19 - 21; Numbers 12:1 - 16; 20:1.