Read Numbers 11:1-15
Do you ever hold back when you’re talking to God? Do you always let him know exactly how you feel, even if you moan and whine a bit? We see here how the people of Israel didn’t hold back. We just noted how agreeable they had been in obeying God when he told them it was time to move.
The ”honeymoon phase” of their captivity was coming to an end. In other words, the people’s patience was wearing thin, and tensions in the wilderness were in high gear. How did God respond?
At first, he heard them, but then God got angry and sent fire as punishment. God was not pleased with their grumbling. But at the same time, he did listen. Clearly, the LORD didn’t feel appreciated for all that was being provided.
No doubt, the people’s discontent was fueled by those among them that were not faithful followers. The true children of God would have been more devoted and could tolerate a lot more discomfort. We can be led astray in a similar fashion by those who don’t understand our desire to bring honor to God.
The manna was such a gift. It’s a curious substance we’ve only read about. It sounds like manna would have been delicious. God’s provision was abundant, but the people wanted variety and craved meat. Why is it we always want what we don’t have?
Even Moses was whiney asking the question, why me? From the sounds of it, Moses was very desperate crying out to God for mercy. His leadership role was draining him to the point of asking God to just take his life. Moses saw this whole mess as God’s punishment on him for some unknown reason. Handling complaints isn’t the easiest job, as I recall from working in the information center for computing services when I was in college.
Have you ever cried out to God to rescue you? We all have those moments of desperation where we wonder how we can go on. In think of those in harm’s way of conflict, war, and the aftermath of natural disasters.
We can learn from Moses’ moment of lament. While we all may have chosen different words when addressing the God of the universe, our takeaway is that Moses didn’t hold back. He let God know how he felt in a raw, real way. Even though God was mad at the people, he still listened. He wasn’t mad that they cried out to him, he was angry they weren’t more grateful for all the provisions.
Even when we feel like we are at the end of our rope and everything is hopeless, there is always something to thank God for. We should lead with our gratitude but never be afraid to tell God how we feel.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for each provision, big and small, in my life. Even through the struggles of life, may my devotion for you stand strong and secure. Help me to not let life circumstances get in the way of my trust in you. I do feel weak and need you to strengthen me so I can carry your message of love into the world. May everything I say and do be honoring to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
