Weekly D'rash Chukat

This week’s Torah portion is the beginning of the end of the wilderness wanderings.  We read about the death of Miriam (Num. 20:1) and Aaron (Num. 20:28).  We also read the story of Moses’ action which prohibited him from entering the land (Num. 20:2–12).  Each of these people played a significant role in the wilderness wanderings.  Moses was the leader of the people.  Aaron was the high priest and Miriam was a prophetess.  All three are considered giants in the Jewish world.

This is also the verdict later in the Scriptures.  In Micah 6:4, when the Israelites are reminded of the blessing of G-d, we read: “Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt and ransomed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam." Micah is saying that G-d raised up Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to lead the people in the wilderness.

I find it very encouraging to know that in the Scriptures they are highly regarded people who are identified with godliness and servanthood.  However, these were not perfect people.  They had weaknesses just like us.  In Numbers 20, we read about Moses’ words and actions that lead to a grave error in judgment.  We read that he did not treat G-d as holy in the midst of the people when he struck the rock and spoke harshly to the people without the permission of G-d.

Earlier in the Torah, we read about a grave error of Aaron when he built the golden calf (Ex. 32:1–5).  Miriam and Aaron rebelled against the leadership of Moses when he married a Cushite woman (Numbers 12:1–15).  Miriam was stricken with a skin disease.  Later in Deuteronomy 24:6, this judgment upon Miriam is remembered as a caution against disobedience.  But none of these bad acts defined these people.  G-d never viewed them as “damaged goods” or unfit for service to the Lord.  In the end, they are all defined by their long lives of service in the wilderness.  What an encouragement to us!

Most of us have a past (and maybe even a present) that contains regrettable actions and things we would be embarrassed to reveal.  But these things do not have to define who we are in the Lord or in life.  Certainly actions have consequences, and sometimes bad actions can have profound consequences.  But even in these cases, we are forgiven when we embrace the Messiah and confess our sins and repent.  Just like Moses, Aaron, and Miriam we are forgiven and cleansed.  We are defined by our relationship with G-d and not our past.  Be encouraged!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard