In our current sermon series, “Listen to Women Preach,” we turn our attention to Miriam, a woman whose courageous voice rang out from the wilderness. Her story begins with a small, audacious act: a young girl’s bold watch over her baby brother, Moses, as he floated in a basket on the Nile (Exodus 2:1-10). Miriam’s seemingly minor role in this monumental moment teaches us that a small act of service can have a HUGE impact and that obscurity does not equal insignificance. Her actions remind us that we are our brother’s keeper, and by saying “yes” to God, we become a vital part of His unfolding plan.
Later, as a prophet, Miriam leads the women of Israel in a powerful song of victory and praise after the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21). This heartfelt worship demonstrates that we should respond to God’s work in our lives with gratitude and praise, inspiring others to do the same. However, her journey also provides a cautionary tale. We will explore how jealousy and pride led her to speak against Moses (Numbers 12), and how God’s discipline was followed by His mercy. This teaches us that mess-ups don't diminish our past contributions or determine our future impact. Ultimately, Miriam's legacy, affirmed in Micah 6:4, proves that true leadership is not about perfection, but courageous service, heartfelt worship, and humble submission to God’s will. Her life is a powerful invitation for us to be content in the role God has called us to and to embrace the collaborative work of men and women, building unity in the body of Christ.
