Someone mentioned to me after the sermon on Numbers 11 that it appears that both Israel and Moses complained, but Israel was judged and Moses was blessed. Why? What was the difference?
Here are my thoughts as we compare Israel and Moses complaints. Lets first take a look at Israel’s complaint.
Israel’s complaint seemed like at best a very minor problem. The lack of food choices was causing them to lose their appetite. This is hardly life threatening! It may have not even been true. Even if someone loses their appetite temporarily, the natural process of hunger always restores it! There is nothing to worry about! Also, the Scripture seems to indicate that the manna was able to be prepared in a variety of ways and was quite delicious (Exodus 16:31, Numbers 11:7-9). It also seems to go against God’s character to provide something but it is not that satisfying) Prov 10:22).
We also see that the resulting action they wanted to take was to go back to Egypt. Just for more food choices! They wanted to forsake the Lord, go back to slavery, after all the miracles they had witnessed! This was extremely ungrateful, not to mention rebellious!
When we look at Moses complaint about the people being a burden, his complaint seems quite reasonable, though he seems a bit angry towards God. The people were wailing over a petty issue, perhaps not even over a real issue. He said they act like babies! It was true!
Moses also may have been greatly concerned about their threat regarding a return to Egypt. This is not the first time (nor the last) that they wanted to rebel and long to “go back”. Moses was probably dealing with a full scale revolt against his leadership and faithfulness to God over a lack of more choices at the cafeteria! Israel seemed to complain about God, Moses complained to God. The ensuing consequences (death for Israelites, help for Moses) shows God righteous dealings with each party.
The lesson we can learn from this:
1. It might be well to examine our complaints and see if they are simply petty or irrational irritations.
2. If we have complaints, take them to God. Even if they are minor ones. It seems that although the Israelites complaint about food variety was minor, God was eager to grant their request, if only they asked! He sent quail to satisfy their desires before (Exo 16) as well as this time in Numbers. God loves to give His people their desires!
3. If God chooses to not grant our desires, we should be content (1Tim. 6:8) and thankful with what He provides. Moses’ example shows us God is always eager to help us when we are burdened (Ps. 55:22, Phil. 4:6-7, 1Pet. 5:7).
mark
These are good thoughts. Richard had a similar question during the service. I agree with #1 that it is good to examine our complaints and see if they are petty or irrational. But even if they are, I think the Lord still wants us to go to him with the feelings of our heart. In other words, I don’t want to think, “Oh this is just irrational. I don’t need to talk to God about this.” I like what you said in the #2 point how we should still take our complaints to God – even if they are small. And I would add – even if they are irrational.
It seems that the main difference between Moses and the Israelites is that Moses still wanted to follow God whereas the Israelites wanted to forsake God and go back to Egypt.
Thanks for posting these thoughts. I look forward to more discussion.
Hannah
Awesome! I like this format for discussing sermons after the fact.
I totally agree that we should take our complaints to God. We should also always be maturing, so that some day what might have been a complaint will be a concern. Just like our relationships with one another here on earth – where complaints should give way to real communication.
The Bible is full of people being much more honest and open with God than I hear in many church circles. We shy away from real conversation with God, and turn to more esoteric, idyllic speech. I think we should sound more like this (Num 11, The Message): “Why are you treating me this way? What did I ever do to you to deserve this? Did I conceive them? Was I their mother? So why dump the responsibility of this people on me?”
Thomas, I really like your thought about what we should sound more like – I agree!!