Grumbling Day (March 3)

"When they received it,they began to grumble against the landowner.  These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said,' and you have made the equal to us who have born the burden of the work and the heat of the day." Matthew 20:11-12-NIV

Grumbling has been a challenge for humanity for a very long time.  I suspect grumbling began shortly after the fall of man in the garden of eden.  We have read about Cain and Able with grumbling between the brothers.  The word grumble has many definitions, perhaps the most appropriate one today is to show one's unhappiness of critical attitude; complain, kick, sound off, quetch and kvetch are listed as more general words for grumble.

Here we read about discontented people, "the rabble with them," complaining about no meat to eat.  The rabble look back to Egypt and compare the present situation with the 'better' prior situation.  Notice the Lord heard the complaining first, not Moses.  God knows what is on our hearts.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."  Psalm 51:10 NIV

Moses asks God for death if God is planning on to continue to treat him the way that Moses has been treated.  In response, God gives seventy of Israel's elders to help with the burdens.  This is the formation of the Sanhedrin. 

Two of the called elders, Eldad and Medad, had the Spirit put on them in the camp.  Notice, If God calls, God equips.

God also provided an abundance of quail.  People gathered much and ate.  These people died with quil in their mouths.  These people went for food that would not last. 

Miriam and Aaron complained against Moses for having a Cushite wife,  God punished Miriam with Leprosey.  Moses interceeded, God removed the punishment, however the progress of Israel was delayed for seven days due to Miriam's grumbling. 

Spies were selected to explore the land that "I am giving to the Isralites."  The spies returned with a bad news report.  Only Caleb and Joshua had faith to go and take possession of the land.  The other spies, grumbled.  Remember, unbelief caused doubt and undermines God's promises to you.  This would be a good place to turn to Hebrews 11 and see how important faith is.

Thoughts:

What do you do with your discontent?  Do you take it to the Lord in prayer? Do you talk with your brother?  Do you gossip?  Do you realize how harmful grumbling is?

Do you look for the fruits of the Spirit, and pray for a pure heart?

Have you seen your grumbling slow down progress?


Pray for wisdom and discernment for church leadership.

In Christ,


David P