02/02/2026

Day 2: 

Moses — The Meekest Man

Numbers 12:1–3

Scripture presents one of its most striking paradoxes in Moses: “Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth” (Numbers 12:3, NLT). This is the same man who confronted Pharaoh, led millions through the wilderness, stretched out his staff to part the sea, and spoke with God “face to face” (Exodus 33:11). In Moses, we learn that greatness in God’s kingdom is not the absence of power, but the presence of humility. The two do not compete; they complete one another.

Moses did not begin this way. At forty, convinced of his calling but still ruled by self-confidence, he murdered an Egyptian and tried to hide the evidence (Exodus 2:11–12). He believed deliverance could come through his own strength and strategy. God responded not with immediate promotion, but with obscurity—forty years in the wilderness. The desert became Moses’ classroom, stripping away self-reliance and teaching him that divine authority flows from dependence, not ability. “The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant” (Psalm 25:10, NLT).

When God finally called Moses from the burning bush, his words revealed a transformed heart: “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh?” (Exodus 3:11, NLT). This was not insecurity; it was clarity. Moses had learned the truth Jesus would later articulate: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NLT). The man who once rushed ahead now trembled to move without God.

Yet humility did not make Moses passive. Once God commissioned him, Moses obeyed with courage. He confronted Pharaoh repeatedly, interceded for Israel relentlessly, and led decisively through chaos and rebellion. True humility is not self-distrust; it is God-trust. “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13, NLT). Moses’ confidence was anchored not in himself, but in the faithfulness of the One who sent him.

Numbers 12 reveals humility at its highest cost. Miriam and Aaron—his own siblings—attacked Moses publicly, questioning his calling and criticizing his marriage. Their challenge struck at his leadership, legitimacy, and character. Moses did nothing. No defense. No rebuttal. No explanation. Scripture records only silence. “Don’t repay evil for evil… Leave that to the righteous anger of God” (Romans 12:17–19, NLT). Moses trusted God with his reputation.

God’s response was immediate and decisive. He summoned Miriam and Aaron, rebuked them sharply, and struck Miriam with leprosy (Numbers 12:6–10). When humility refuses to fight for itself, God steps in as defender. “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm” (Exodus 14:14, NLT). Moses did not need to protect his name because his life was already hidden in God’s calling.

Moses’ humility reached its peak after Israel built the golden calf. God offered to destroy the nation and start over with Moses, making him the father of a new people (Exodus 32:9–10). Moses refused. He pleaded for mercy, even offering himself on behalf of the people. He chose God’s glory and others’ redemption over personal advancement. “Love does not demand its own way” (1 Corinthians 13:5, NLT).

Moses teaches us that humility is not weakness—it is strength surrendered to God. It speaks boldly when God’s honor is at stake and stays silent when personal pride is threatened. It knows when to act and when to trust. And it leaves vindication entirely in God’s hands.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is trusting God so completely that you no longer need to defend yourself.