“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. 21 And Miriam sang this song: ‘Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.’”  —Exodus 15:20-21 

“The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.”  - William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar 

This famous quote by Shakespeare, which I first encountered during a high school literature class, recently came back to me as I meditated on the life of Miriam in Exodus 15. Decades have passed since then, and my journey has transformed from a career in Chemical Engineering to serving as an evangelist, leading me to view things through a spiritual lens. Reflecting on Miriam’s story today, the Holy Spirit reminded me how easily people forget good deeds but cling to memories of wrongdoing. 

Miriam’s Legacy: More Than Just a Mistake 

Miriam, the elder sister of Moses and Aaron, is often remembered for a moment of rebellion against Moses, which resulted in her becoming leprous. We frequently emphasize her mistake and overlook her earlier acts of bravery and selflessness. 

“When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite woman, they said, ‘Is it true that the Lord has spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?’ And the Lord heard it... And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow” —Numbers 12:1-2, 10. 

But Miriam's forgotten good deeds did not begin with leading the women in song after the Red Sea victory. Her story of courage started much earlier: 

“When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes, and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. 4 And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him... Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, ‘Shall I go and call a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’” —Exodus 2:3-4, 7. 

This bold act by young Miriam saved Moses’ life and ensured he was raised in Pharaoh’s palace. Yet, how often do we celebrate Miriam for this heroic act? 

The Unfortunate Reality: The Lasting Impact of Scandals 

Many other biblical figures suffered a similar fate. Consider Samson, who is remembered more for his downfall with Delilah than for his role as a judge who defended Israel for 20 years. Likewise, John Mark, initially deemed unreliable by Paul, eventually matured and authored the Gospel of Mark. David, despite his mighty exploits as a king and worshipper, is often remembered for his sin with Bathsheba. 

Lessons from the Holy Spirit: 

Your good deeds may not receive recognition from people, but Heaven keeps a perfect record. 

While good deeds are often forgotten, scandals are long remembered. Avoid actions that tarnish your testimony. 

Choose to leave a legacy written in marble, not mud. Let your name be associated with dignity and virtue. 

Make a conscious effort to build a legacy that future generations will remember positively. 

Finally, let us also be mindful of how we perceive others. Rather than harping on people’s mistakes, choose to highlight and celebrate their good deeds. After all, what we sow is what we will reap. 

Conclusion: 

Choose today to live a life that will be remembered for its impact, integrity, and positive influence on others. Be known for your good deeds, and guard against actions that can tarnish your legacy. May we all strive to leave a legacy that speaks of God’s goodness and grace through us. 

Shalom!