“Day 17 (Numbers 17)”

Friday, February 17, 2017

We have a short chapter today. Moses had it rough. There seemed to be countless complaints about his leadership. As we noted yesterday, the complaint against the men God appointed as leaders was a complaint against the God who appointed them (16:11). In today’s reading God provides a way to put an end to the complaints and rebellions against Moses and Aaron (17:5). A staff is presented from each of the 12 tribes with the head of their households written on the staff. Whomever’s bloomed indicated the one God chose. This would have been a clear demonstration – this leadership of Moses and Aaron was not self-appointed, but by the will and intention of God.

And what an amazing miracle! A dead staff – cut off from its root (source of life) – now blooms and produces almonds. That’s impossible! That’s the work of God – He is the source of life. Once the people see Aaron’s rod, their response was absolute fear. They could have been thinking, “We’ve been rejecting God’s chosen leader/high priest. We’re doomed!” They just saw what happened to Korah’s rebellion that led to death. They must have been terrified that their grumbling and complaint against Moses and Aaron would lead to the same fate.

Here’s a thought I had from this chapter: DON’T COMPLAIN. How sad is it that after all this time, and all these miracles, and all that Moses had done to prove himself as God’s appointed leader, it took yet another miracle for Israel to stop their grumbling (v. 5). It’s easy to complain. We’ve got a natural knack for criticism. This is obviously a broad subject, because there’s a lot we can grumble about. We grumble about the weather. We grumble about the country. We grumble about leaders, and elected officials. We grumble about aches and pains. We grumble about people who seem to grumble a lot. Sometimes our grumbling comes into the church – grumble about worship, about the leaders, about members we don’t see eye to eye with, grumble about the young people, grumble about the old people, grumble about the kids.

Grumble…grumble…grumble…And God hears all of it (Ex. 16:7-8). What does all this complaining say to God? What does it say to those who hear me? What does it say to those who aren’t Christians? What does it say about me? Oh if we would just stop and ask ourselves these questions. Why am I complaining? What will these words show others about my God? About my heart? 

Here’s a reminder for today: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.” Phil. 2:14-15

Remember – in the midst of hardship, difficulty, and pain - God is always good. Remember – when frustrated and disappointed by others around me – God is patient in my times of weakness, I should be too. Remember – when upset at elected officials – God is king on the throne, He never fails. Remember – when feeling worthless, empty, like what you have and where you are simply aren’t enough – you are a child of God – you’re adopted into His family.

I don’t need to grumble and complain when I stop and remember that I have all I need in God. Israel’s answer was right in front of them – just look to the tent in the middle of the camp. Just remember that even in your wilderness journeys, God is there. He always has been, and will be. When you feel like complaining – stop – and remember God. He’s always there. Stop and count your blessings. I won't need to complain when I consider all I have to be thankful for!

Merciful Father, what a blessing to know You are with us everywhere we go. We know You are good, You are loving, You are the giver of every good and perfect thing. Everything I need, You have provided. I tend to get so distracted by the aches and pains of life, and so easily find myself complaining about it, rather than turning to You in my distress, and finding my comfort and relief in You. Forgive me. I know that in You I have every reason to live a life of true joy. Help me to overcome the negative, critical attitudes in my heart. Even in life's storms, help me to turn to You rather than complain about You. Let the words of my lips be words of thanks and praise, not criticism and complaint. And let my joy and satisfaction in You become contagious in the lives of others – that I may point others to the true source of joy and satisfaction in this life – to You. Thank You for giving me reasons to be thankful, reasons to rejoice. Because of You my cup overflows. You are so good to me. Thank You Father.

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