Messianic Jewish Leader Reflects on the Power of Words and the Lesson of Miriam

Our words have more impact than we realize, both on those we are addressing and on ourselves. David Lazarus reflects on the passing of his friend Hanan Lukatz, a respected Messianic Jewish leader in Israel who dedicated over four decades to the movement. As condolences and tributes continue to flow, Lazarus questions why such expressions of love and appreciation are often reserved for after someone has passed.

He suggests that there is much we could do for one another with our words while people are still alive. This reflection is drawn from a Passover tradition in synagogue, where the commandment to “remember Miriam on the journey after you came out of Egypt” (Dt. 24:9) is observed. The story of Miriam, Moses’ older sister, serves as a cautionary tale about the power of words.

Miriam questioned Moses’ marriage to an Ethiopian woman and compared him to other prophets, which was a misguided error. Moses had seen God and was destined to lead the Jewish nation, a role far greater than any prophet. Despite her intentions, Miriam was struck with a defiling disease that turned her skin white. The rabbis concluded that the commandment to remember Miriam emphasizes the importance of our words.

“A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.” (Prov 18:6-8) This passage underscores how even a momentary slip of the tongue in anger or disappointment can lead to serious consequences. Words not only affect the person we speak to but also impact ourselves, sending us into a cycle of unintended consequences.

Remember Miriam. Remember too that part of the punishment of this skin whitening, as described in the source, serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility of our speech.

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