If you have a problem with grumbling, you’re not alone.
The Old Testament book of Numbers could easily be renamed The Grumbler Chronicles.
The Israelites grumbled against Moses, Aaron, and God.
They didn’t like manna- so they complained:
“Manna for breakfast. Manna for lunch. Manna for dinner! Is this all we get, this manna?”
So God gave them quail.
They had quail boiled and broiled, quail under glass, quail a la cactus, quail nuggets, and probably Tasty fried quail and McQuail burgers, until they were sick of it.
Can you empathize with them? There are almost limitless variety of culinary delights. We tend to think, So what if they griped a little? A little complaining is understandable, isn’t it?
But the complaints of God’s people weren’t trivial, and God didn’t view them lightly.
Why not?
In fact, they were complaining about the provision and will of God. Ungrateful human beings criticized and rejected His supernatural care.
That explains God’s severe response, “So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died” (Numbers 21:6).
The fact that the New Testament highlights this incident (1Cor. 10:10) should get our attention.
Beware of the sin of grumbling!
Instead, learn how to cultivate a grateful and contented heart in all circumstances.
“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT)
Reflect on this.
And make necessary ammendments.
God bless you!
-OMOSEBI Mary Omolola (PhD)
© 2016
