Embedded Files
Miriam: A Portrait of Spiritual Leadership
In moments of divine triumph, how do we respond? For the Israelites, fresh from deliverance at the Red Sea, their answer was clear: they sang. At the forefront of that celebration stood a woman with a tambourine in her hand and worship on her lips—Miriam the prophetess.
A Song of Victory
“Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.’”
—Exodus 15:20–21
Miriam leads a chorus of celebration after the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. With tambourines and dancing, the women of Israel follow her in worship. But this moment is more than just a celebration—it's a glimpse into the heart of spiritual leadership.
Setting the Stage: Miriam’s First Appearance
To truly understand Miriam’s leadership, we need to go back to where she first appears in Scripture: watching over her brother, Moses, as he floats down the Nile in a basket.
“And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him.”
—Exodus 2:4
Even as a child, Miriam shows courage, compassion, and wisdom. She doesn’t just watch helplessly—she takes action. When Pharaoh’s daughter finds the baby, Miriam boldly steps forward with a plan that reunites Moses with his mother. It's a subtle but powerful introduction to a woman who would later lead her people in worship.
What Do We Learn About Miriam?
The brief but rich portrait of Miriam in Exodus 15 offers several key insights:
She is a prophetess. Miriam is one of the few women in the Bible given this title, indicating her role as a spiritual guide and interpreter of God’s actions.
She is a leader. The women follow her example, not just in action but in purpose. She directs their eyes toward the Lord.
She uses her gifts. Miriam expresses worship through music, dance, and voice. These are not just talents; they are tools of spiritual leadership.
She points to God. Her prophetic role isn't about predicting the future—it's about helping others understand the present. She interprets the Red Sea crossing as a victory not of human strength, but of divine intervention.
Spiritual Leadership: Being the First Follower
Someone once said that spiritual leadership is about being the first follower. Miriam models this beautifully. She responds to God’s deliverance by worshiping, and in doing so, she invites others to do the same.
This is the essence of spiritual leadership: recognizing God's movement and helping others respond to it.
Reflect and Apply
Let’s bring this closer to home. Consider the spiritual leaders in your life. How have they pointed you toward the Lord? Was it through words of encouragement? Acts of service? Bold faith in difficult moments?
Now consider your own spheres of influence—your home, your workplace, your church, your community. Where might God be inviting you to step forward like Miriam? Not necessarily with a tambourine, but with a posture of worship, a voice of truth, and a heart attuned to His presence.
Questions for Reflection:
Who is a spiritual leader in your life? How do they point you to the Lord?
Where are you currently leading—in small or large ways—and how might God use your leadership for His purposes?
How can we cultivate spiritual leadership in our lives?
What’s one way you can practice spiritual leadership this week?
Share your plan with someone and hold each other accountable.
Her Part in the Larger Story
The Exodus is the great salvation story of the Old Testament. And while Miriam’s story may span only a few verses, her impact echoes through Scripture. Her leadership teaches us that when we see God at work, the most faithful thing we can do is be the first to lift our voices in praise—and invite others to join the song.
Google Sites
Report abuse