Grumpy Old (and Young) Men
Opening Prayer
As you come to worship God now, ask him for a sense of gratitude that will overwhelm any negative feelings.
Read Numbers 11:1-15
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. [2] When the people cried out to Moses, he prayed to the LORD and the fire died down. [3] So that place was called Taberah, because fire from the LORD had burned among them. [4] The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Israelites started wailing and said, “If only we had meat to eat! [5] We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost-also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. [6] But now we have lost our appetite; we never see anything but this manna!” [7] The manna was like coriander seed and looked like resin. [8] The people went around gathering it, and then ground it in a hand mill or crushed it in a mortar. They cooked it in a pot or made it into loaves. And it tasted like something made with olive oil. [9] When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down. [10] Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The LORD became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. [11] He asked the LORD, “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? [12] Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? [13] Where can I get meat for all these people? They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ [14] I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. [15] If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me-if I have found favor in your eyes-and do not let me face my own ruin.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was the people's complaint and Moses' response?Are western countries becoming ungovernable? Newly elected presidents and governors often take office riding a wave of popularity only to find that, within months of taking office, their popularity in the polls drops precipitously. Voter’s delight soon turns to complaint, and often because we are quite unrealistic about the complexity of problems and how long they take to fix. It was the same with the Israelites in the desert. Their liberation was soon forgotten. Food seemed to count more than freedom, and they started to grumble. Despite God’s warning about complaining (1,2), their memories of food in Egypt dominated (5). God’s miraculous provision (Exod. 16:4) had become boring (6). Sadly, I’m realizing that grumpiness and complaining are a challenge throughout life. They don’t go away as I get older, for experience is not always a great teacher. One antidote is the discipline of praise. “Count your blessings … and it will surprise you what the Lord has done” may sound rather corny, but it’s still true. If you’re not sure, try it!
Apply
Recall the good things God has done for you—everyday things and special things. Turn the memories into praise.
Closing prayer
Lord, what a loving Father You are. When I’m grumpy or dissatisfied, remind me of Your many blessings.
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