Complaining

I have started reading through the Bible following our church's 2 year Bible reading plan.  This is something that is expected encouraged to complete as a family.  The first 10 minutes of Sunday School is spent as a whole body discussing what we read.  I admit, I missed reading Genesis, Exodus, and most of Leviticus, along with Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John but I am on schedule now with Numbers & Psalms.  WOW!  It is blowing me away.  I wouldn't be offended if you said, "Well duh!"  The Bible is soooo rich!  Why do we think we need all these "other books"?  Don't we realize all these "other books" make money for people?  I am not going off the deep end, I promise.  I don't think "other books" are evil....but my point is is that you have a treasure chest of truth, grace, mercy, hope, love, and wisdom in one complete book!  WOW!  So where am I headed with this....?

Today I read Numbers 11.  The Israelites have been in the desert and begin to complain about eating manna every day and say they long for the things they ate in Egypt, such as fish, cucumbers, leeks, onions, and melons.  God answers their prayers and provides them quail for an entire month.  However, God is very, very, very displeased with their complaining.  Did He not just bring them out of slavery from Egypt? 

Also in this chapter Moses complains.  He says "Why have you brought this trouble on your servant?  What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?  Did I conceive all these people?  Did I give them birth? ... Where can I get meat for all these people?  ... I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.  If this is how you are going to treat me, put me to death right now..." (10-15)  If you are like me you are thinking, "Oh no Moses.  You didn't.  You didn't just say all that did you.  Oh boy, I can't imagine saying that.  Wow!"  However, then it will begin to hit you like it did me, "Wait a minute sister, you complain.  I have even told people God wants to know exactly how you feel.  Talk to Him because He already knows what is in your heart.  Be honest."  And then you realize you are no different than Moses...or actually maybe even a little worse because you didn't talk to God about it but tried to keep it all locked up in your heart allowing bitterness to take root.  Hmmmm....is this making any sense?  God answered Moses' cry for help.  He gave him 70 elders to help him in leading the people.  Later on these 70 elders become known as the Sanhedrin.  Yep, that group of men who convicted Christ to death.  See, God hates our complaining.  Hates it (said in sing-songy voice)!  However sometimes just like we do with our whiny children, He gives us what we want, even though He knows it isn't what is best for us, but not without a cost....sometimes it is a lean soul. 

There is sooooo much more richness in this chapter.  I encourage you to read it today.  Maybe I will expound further another day.