In my Bible reading, I am now in Numbers chapter 11. Once again, Moses proves to be someone I can totally relate with.
As the Israelites start journeying again, they start complaining again. This time they complain about God's provision - the manna He gives them daily. They want "flavor": leeks, onions, garlic, cucumbers, and melons like they ate back in Egypt. I can't say I blame them, and I'm thinking if I were among them, I'd probably be complaining too. I'd rather have a garlicy-saucy meal at Olive Garden than cook Hamburger Helper at home!
Moses loses it at this point; he was "displeased". And he begins in on God with (paraphrased), "WHY have you been so hard on me? Why don't you like me? Why have you given me this burden?...Am I these peoples' parent (did I conceive them and bring them forth)? How can I satisfy these peoples' request for meat?"
This is a conversation that I have had with God too! Not necessarily in those words, but I remember wondering if God even LIKED me, and if He did, WHY did He put me in situations that were so hard?? Working in the school, I've wondered why God allowed some people to even be allowed to have children...when they apparently don't do right by them or don't take good care of them or hurt them in various ways by their own selfish behavior and neglect. And what do all these people want from me anyway; I can't do anything much for them either to change their circumstances?! Yep, I've been there, Moses.
(DISCLAIMER HERE: Moses was called - in Numbers 12:3 - very humble, more than any who was on the face of the earth. I CAN NOT compare myself to him there...I am just fascinated that a man who would be considered like this would struggle with something I have struggled with!).
I kind of chuckle at Moses' dramatics because in the midst of my own rantings about a situation I don't like, Dan tends to think I go way too far too!! Moses says in verse 15 to God, "So if Thou art going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once." My version of this is, "heaven is better than this." I have been known to say that when things around me get seemingly out of control! In the options of fight or flight, I choose flight every time (get me out of here, Lord!).
As with us, God doesn't let Moses completely abandon his task, in his case leading Israel. Instead, He gives him the option of having 70 capable people to help carry his burden! I think often my SELF SUFFICIENCY is what makes me not see that there are plenty of good Christians around me who can help me carry my "burdens" too.
As Moses begins to see these chosen helpers work (and prophesy), he is relieved & kind of wishes that all the Lord's people were prophets (vs. 29). Yes, the Christian life would be easier if every one of God's people did what was right! In Moses' case, the nation of Israel was God's chosen people, but they were a bunch of whiners and complainers and reluctant travelers. They were all for him when things were good but quick to backslide when the way got hard. Isn't that like us (me) as Christians today!! However, in the midst of seeing all the people who are so blatantly needy and whiney and making poor choices, I sometimes overlook and fail to remember that there are so many who ARE doing what is right, who have a good attitude, and who make wise decisions. God can and will take care of the rest.
As the Israelites start journeying again, they start complaining again. This time they complain about God's provision - the manna He gives them daily. They want "flavor": leeks, onions, garlic, cucumbers, and melons like they ate back in Egypt. I can't say I blame them, and I'm thinking if I were among them, I'd probably be complaining too. I'd rather have a garlicy-saucy meal at Olive Garden than cook Hamburger Helper at home!
Moses loses it at this point; he was "displeased". And he begins in on God with (paraphrased), "WHY have you been so hard on me? Why don't you like me? Why have you given me this burden?...Am I these peoples' parent (did I conceive them and bring them forth)? How can I satisfy these peoples' request for meat?"
This is a conversation that I have had with God too! Not necessarily in those words, but I remember wondering if God even LIKED me, and if He did, WHY did He put me in situations that were so hard?? Working in the school, I've wondered why God allowed some people to even be allowed to have children...when they apparently don't do right by them or don't take good care of them or hurt them in various ways by their own selfish behavior and neglect. And what do all these people want from me anyway; I can't do anything much for them either to change their circumstances?! Yep, I've been there, Moses.
(DISCLAIMER HERE: Moses was called - in Numbers 12:3 - very humble, more than any who was on the face of the earth. I CAN NOT compare myself to him there...I am just fascinated that a man who would be considered like this would struggle with something I have struggled with!).
I kind of chuckle at Moses' dramatics because in the midst of my own rantings about a situation I don't like, Dan tends to think I go way too far too!! Moses says in verse 15 to God, "So if Thou art going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once." My version of this is, "heaven is better than this." I have been known to say that when things around me get seemingly out of control! In the options of fight or flight, I choose flight every time (get me out of here, Lord!).
As with us, God doesn't let Moses completely abandon his task, in his case leading Israel. Instead, He gives him the option of having 70 capable people to help carry his burden! I think often my SELF SUFFICIENCY is what makes me not see that there are plenty of good Christians around me who can help me carry my "burdens" too.
As Moses begins to see these chosen helpers work (and prophesy), he is relieved & kind of wishes that all the Lord's people were prophets (vs. 29). Yes, the Christian life would be easier if every one of God's people did what was right! In Moses' case, the nation of Israel was God's chosen people, but they were a bunch of whiners and complainers and reluctant travelers. They were all for him when things were good but quick to backslide when the way got hard. Isn't that like us (me) as Christians today!! However, in the midst of seeing all the people who are so blatantly needy and whiney and making poor choices, I sometimes overlook and fail to remember that there are so many who ARE doing what is right, who have a good attitude, and who make wise decisions. God can and will take care of the rest.
1 comments:
These are great insights! I'm with you, I can relate to Moses as well, but for me it's when Moses says that basically he doesn't think he's good enough, he's not a good speaker, etc., but God says to trust Him. Love it!
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