Do you ever grumble and complain? I think we all do from time to time. But do you know that God hates grumbling?

When you are complaining, you are thinking about yourself and what you want. You are making yourself the most important person. The children of Israel did this. They wanted better food. The Lord was supplying them with manna every day, but they wanted meat. They even said that the food was better in Egypt. Did they forget about the baby boys that were killed in the River, or about their slavery?

Moses’ response to the peoples’ complaining was to go and complain to the Lord. Through his complaining he too showed that he was only thinking about himself and what he wanted. He said things like this: “Did I make these people? Why are the people angry at me? How am I supposed to get them meat? I can’t bear these people on my own.” He forgot that the Lord was with him and that the Lord would supply him with everything that he needed.

That’s what we are doing when we complain as well. We’re focused on ourselves and our wants: I don’t want the food the Lord gives me. I don’t want to play with the person the Lord put in my class. I am annoyed at the sister God gave me. Yes, when we’re grumbling, we’re actually making an idol of ourselves.

God did give the complaining Israelites meat, but this meat was a punishment for them at the same time. Verse 33 tells us that they died while the meat was still in their mouths. This shows us how deeply God hates grumbling! When we’re grumbling we’re not trusting in God enough, we’re not thankful enough for what he gives us.

Moses, as the mediator of the people, failed because he grumbled as well. But know that Christ our mediator never grumbled. Rather he went to the cross for our sins. So when you find that you are complaining, go to him, confess your sins and ask God to help you to be thankful.

Reflection with your child:

Why is God so angry at our grumbling?

Source: Sermon by Rev. D. Agema