Grumbling – Numbers to Joshua
All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” – Numbers 14:2-3
[The Lord said] “Have I not commanded you? Be stong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
So Joshua ordered the officers of the people:”Go throught the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’ ” – Joshua 1:9-11
Grumbling against God was all too common for the Israelites of the Exodus. It is amazing that a previously enslaved people would dare speak out against God – who had just removed them from the oppresive Egyptians.
Just as the Israelites failed to comprehend how powerful God must be to remove them from such a crushing force, i too forget that God is capable of anything. I believe that for me – it is an issue of not being able to imagine that much power (but that’s probably a cop-out).
When i grumble is when most people grumble – when i’m under stress. I think and say things like “Why is this happening to me?” or “I don’t deserve this.” When in reality, i deserve that and far more for my sins.
I am blessed that God is slow to anger and that Jesus paid the way for me to ask God for forgiveness, before He gives me what i truly deserve.
