Racism

 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed.
Numbers 12:9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/num.12.9.ESV

Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because he married an African lady. This verse reveals something of God's response to their racism. He wasn't happy at all.

We might assume that God departing is no big deal. After all, we don't tend to get to see Him nowadays, unless Jesus returns. When we consider that in hell we would experience the departure of God's love, that is a scary thought.

Miriam, who appears to have been the most racist ringleader of the rebellion against Moses, was struck down with leprosy. Ironically, by expressing her displeasure at a dark skinned lady, Miriam's skin was turned deathly white. Thankfully, at Moses and Aaron's intercession, she was healed.

This Biblical episode illustrates how racism angers God and is unacceptable for someone who professes faith in Him. Just because the Bible sometimes describes racist happenings doesn't mean to say it condones them. It just means the Bible is realistic about human depravity.

'God of the angel armies, forbid that we should anger You. May we repent of any racist attitudes we may have, and trust Jesus for forgiveness, in His name, amen'

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