God's People - Time in Egypt: Miriam

His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him.
The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. “This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,” she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Yes.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. ~ Exodus 2:4-8


One of the images I always have of Miriam is one that comes much later: Miriam as prophetess, dancing with her timbrel after the successful crossing of the Red Sea. Dancing to celebrate freedom.

So I have long associated with Miriam this idea of freedom. From her early days, the girl Miriam takes it upon herself to suggest to Pharaoh's daughter a solution that will benefit both her mother, Jochabed, and her brother Moses - not to mention the Egyptian princess herself. Perhaps her mother told her to do this, but we aren't told that. Instead, it seems like Miriam is a girl of initiative.

However, as with freedom anywhere else, Miriam will later learn it has its limits. She will eventually stretch her freedom too far, criticizing her brother when he is their leader. There is a sense that she could be jealous of his leadership. Eventually, her pushing leads God to give her leprosy.

Moses and Aaron will beg for mercy for her and after seven days of isolation from the people, she will be healed.

Sometimes pushing the boundaries of freedom can lead to isolation: when we see our way as the only way; when we lean in on only our own authority; when we think freedom means we can do what we want regardless of others. When that happens, it can leave us all alone.

God calls to the ultimate freedom: the freedom to be who we are created to be; the freedom to be part of God's community; the freedom to be in right relationship.

Freedom can be wonderful when we live into who we are called to be. Or it can be isolating when we believe our freedom surpasses others'.

Yet no matter how much we test the limits of our freedom, God calls us back in love and into relationship, wanting us never to be alone.

Prayer: Merciful God, forgive me when I put myself and my freedom above you and above your people. Forgive me when I make an idol of my desires and forget your love and generosity. Call me back into relationship that I may know your loving presence always. Amen.

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